The sun was just sinking over the horizon as the wolves were making their way down the mountain. Toboe was at the back of the pack rough housing with Hige while Blue looked on affectionally. Tsume was walking about five meters behind Kiba in silence. He hadn't spoken a word since the meeting that morning and mainly stayed off to himself. Kiba, who was in the lead, was lost in his own thoughts. His mind was all over the place. He didn't understand why Tsume, after hearing all Cheza had said, still didn't believe in Paradise and didn't want to help them. It just didn't make any sense. His mind then drifted to their newest member, Blue. She is a Wolf/dog that hunted wolves to the ends of the Earth with her master Quent. After Cheza shed light on her heritage, she immediately threw her lot in with the wolves in their quest for Paradise. She has yet to prove herself but according to her personality, she seems like she would be a loyal member of the pack and a possible motherly figure to Toboe. He was glad that her and Hige is having a good relationship and possibly on their way to becoming mates. Neither one of them knows it, but Kiba had been awake and saw their exchange the night before. It made him glad that Hige, with his memory loss, and Blue, with her bad past and regrets, would be there for each other and bring each other comfort and happiness. Toboe, however, was still too young for all this traveling in Kiba's mind. He had no doubt that Toboe would make an asset to this pack, but with the way they were having to move, it was too hard on the pup. But still, Cheza wanted him around. She said that he had traveled with them in the past life and even wound up saving them. She didn't mention from what and they had never asked what with more important things on their mind at the time. As Kiba thought about Toboe, he couldn't help but to think back to that day in Leara's house, when Toboe had been laying before them dying, and he had hazed out. He still couldn't understand what had happened. Hige said when he hazed out, Cheza's hand glowed brighter and Toboe was healed from the life threatening infection. Before that, there was nothing Cheza's power could do for the poor pup. It had something to do with him but he just didn't know what. And if it really had something to do with him, then what about this other wolf. Did that really happen? Does that other wolf even exist? So many questions and nowhere to even look for answers. Kiba shook his head, trying to clear and organize his thoughts. Now was not the time to get sidetracked trying to find answers to unanswerable questions. He had to keep focused on the task ahead and that task was leading the pack safely to the next destination. He suddenly tuned in to his environment and heard his pack talking behind him.

"I'm hungry. I hope we can find something to eat soon."

"Shut it Porkey. If I hear another word about food from you so help me I'll..."

"Guys," Toboe interupted. "Please don't fight. It's not gonna help anything."

"Stay out of it Runt," Tsume snapped.

"Toboe's right," Blue spoke up. "Fighting isn't gonna help anything. I must admit though, I'm getting pretty tired."

"My paws feel like their going to fall off," Toboe complained.

Kiba turned back to look at the pack and saw that even Tsume was looking tired. He suddenly stopped and allowed the pack to catch up.

"We're going to stop here for the night. We'll pick back up tomorrow."

"Good," Tsume said. "Maybe now Runt and Porkey will shut the hell up." Tsume walked off grumbling to himself. Kiba looked after him and then turned to Hige. " Hige, take Blue and Toboe and see if you can find some food. return in a couple hours regardless."

Hige nodded and said, ''Come on you two."

"Alright, let's go." Toboe said excitedly. Blue smiled and followed after them. When they were out of sight, Kiba walked over and sat beside Tsume. The two sat in silence for a while, both contemplating their inner thoughts. Finally, Kiba looked over at Tsume and opened his mouth to speak. Tsume cut him off, knowing what he was going to say.

"Don't even say it. My decision is final."

"Why? Why, after what you heard and seen? Why would you discount that and act like it's nothing? I don't think you understand what's at stake here.

"I understand exactly what's at stake. I just choose not to have a part in it. I don't care if we tried to open Paradise in a past life or not. Think about it for a minute. Use your head and think, Kiba. If what Cheza said was true, and we did quest for Paradise in a past life, then what happened? We failed, that's what's happened. If we didn't succeed then, what makes you think we will succeed now? Huh? What makes you think we will be successful this time? Apparently, we got lucky last time and the world was reborn or whatever but we failed Kiba. We failed. Why would I want to put myself through that again? It is a pointless journey and this time will be no different.

Kiba bristled a little bit at Tsume's words. "You heard what Cheza said. We failed because we lost trust in each other and drifted apart. You are already displaying lack of trust and are already wanting to go your own way. We cannot afford to make those same mistakes again. If we do, then we have already failed.

"We already failed last time. I've made my decision and that's final. Next town, I'm outta here. You got that?" And with that, Tsume stormed off and laid down far away from Kiba. Kiba sighed as he watched Tsume walk away. he couldn't understand why Tsume was acting like he was, but he knew that without all of them, they were doomed to fail from the start. Kiba shook his head. It seemed like nothing would convince Tsume to stay with them and this disheartened him. There was a reason that Cheza said they would have to stay together and trust each other and Tsume just didn't want anything to do with it. Kiba growled to himself and laid down to wait for the others to get back. If Tsume was going to be that way about it then so be it. One way or another, Kiba was bound and determined to open paradise, even if it meant his death. He was not going to fail again.

Blue, Hige, and Toboe returned after a successful hunt, bringing back a decent sized deer. This time not only did Blue eat with the pack, but she got first bite because it was her kill. Hige looked on with pride. "I guess i'm a pretty good teacher. Even the runt did a good job all things considered." After the pack ate, each one fell asleep one by one, until there was only Kiba left awake. His mind was too awake to sleep, thinking about Tsume leaving the pack and potentionally setting them all up for failure. There had to be another way to do this without him. He would have to ask Cheza in the morning. A few moments later, Kiba finally drifted off to sleep.

Fire. Walls of flames devouering everything it touches like a hungry monster. He ran as fast as he could, trying to escape the seering heat. He jumped over logs and dodged trees, all the while, running his poor legs off. He was still just a pup and couldn't run as fast as a full grown wolf but he had to try. Anything short of success meant his death.

"come on. just a little bit further and we'll be at the river. we'll be safe on the other side." He stopped running when he heard no answer and looked behind him. He heard the flames burning the trees and smelled the acrid smoke. He heard the distressed cries of the rest of the pack who was cut off and was succumbing to the heat and flames and smoke. But he didn't see his childhood companion who had been following him.

"Oh no. Where is she?" Kiba looked around in a panic. 'She was just here.' He ran back the other direction, knowing it was suicide, but unable to leave her behind. Just as he was about to call her name, darkness descended.

The she-wolf woke with a start, eyes frantically searching around as if expecting to see flames again. That was the third time she had that dream. She was running away from men and flames. The distressed cries of the pack surrounding her. She was running with another pup but could not remember who it was. They got seperated and that was when she woke up. The same way every time. It felt so real, and yet, So familiar at the same time. Was it a memory of the past? She pondered the dream for some time, trying to figure out who the other wolf pup was with her. No mater how hard she thought, she came up wth no answers. Finally, unable to sleep, she got up, stretched, and started moving again, the instinctual calling driving her ever onward. She didn't know what lay ahead of her in this journey, but she hoped it would be worth it in the end.

Kiba's eyes opened and he lifted his head up with a yelp. He looked around and was calmed by the presence of his pack. He sat there, trying to get over his nightmare and get settled down for sleep again, what with dawn only a few hours away and all. A few moments later, he felt a gentle hand on his head, petting him. He leaned into the contact, calmed as ever by Cheza's presence.

"Was it another nightmare Kiba?" She asked with concern.

"Nightmare or memory. It feels so real, as if it happened in the past. I don't understand why I keep having it though."

"Whatever it is Kiba, it might be important. But this one senses that is not the only thing bothering you."

"you're right Cheza. It's Tsume. He doesn't understand how important it is to stay together. He doesn't want to even help us. He wants to leave as soon as we reach another town. Do you think there is any other way to do this without him?"

"This one does not know. It might be possible, but this one cannot say with certainty. All this one has is this one's memories from the previous life. Things might work out different without him or they might stay the same. This difference might be a good thing or lead us down a path of destruction. This one has no way of knowing. All we can do is move forward."

"Yeah. I just hope we do everything right this time."

"Kiba"

"Yes Cheza," he said, turning to her.

"It is not your fault. Stop blaming yourself. All we can do is our best with what we are given. Do not blame yourself for the past. Only focus on the present and learn from the past. you cannot let the past haunt you."

"I know Cheza. I'll try."

"That is all this one asks.

The next morning, the wolves and flower maiden was on the road once again. They had decended the mountain and was now coming upon a forest. The wolves ventured into the tree line and continued on. It was night time, the moon had risen high overhead. All were walking in silence, too wrapped up in their own thoughts. Kiba was in the lead, followed by Tsume. Hige and Blue were walking side by side. It wasn't long before Hige started feeling something was off. He looked behind him and noticed that Toboe and fallen way behind.

"Hey Runt, something wrong. Hurry it up or you're gonna get left behind."

"I'm coming," he called as he hurried to catch up to them. Kiba stopped and waited, along with the rest, as Toboe finally caught up with them. He came to a stop, panting. After catching his breath, he finally looked up at them and, with a sheepish grin, said, "Sorry guys, I guess I'm holding you up huh?"

"Naw, ya think. Idiot," Tsume snapped.

Toboe looked sad as he looked down at the ground. "You don't have to be so mean about it," he complained.

"Just learn to keep up, will ya? Otherwise, we'll leave you behind," he said snidley.

"That's enough Tsume," Kiba said in a calm, even voice. "We'll rest here for a while then we will get going again."

"Sounds good to me," Toboe exclaimed."

"I second that motion," Hige put in.

"You would Porkey. Grow up and be a wolf for once." Tsume glared at Hige, daring him to try something.

"You know what Tsume. I'm getting tired of your crap. All you know how to do is make smart ass remarks and always trying to start fights. Why don't you shut your damn mouth for once? Hige growled as he said this and was baring his fangs.

"Why don't you come over here and make me Porkey?" Tsume yelled.

"Guys, please stop. Why do you have to fight all the time."

"Because, Porkey don't know when to keep his damn mouth shut. Just like a certain Runt I know."

"All of you, be quiet." Kiba said.

Everyone stopped and listened for a moment. The only sounds reaching their ears was deadly silence.

"I don't hear nothing," Tsume said with impatience.

"That's just the point guys," Toboe said. "A forest is supposed to be alive with night noises. crickets, whipperwills, and peep frogs. There's nothing. Not a sound."

"Something has spooked them." Kiba stated. "We need to be extra careful. We'll set up watches. I'll take the first watch."

"Fine by me," Tsume said. he laid down and ignored everyone else.

"Okay men. We have our orders. Secure the white wolf and the flower maiden. We have to take them alive. The rest are expendable. Are we clear?"

"YES SIR," the men said in unison.

"What's the plan Sarge?"

The plan is to set fire to the woods, effectavely cutting off their escape routes. We then seperate the white wolf and flower maiden from the others. That shouldn't be too hard because INTEL said that those two stick together like glue. Once seperated, we hit them with the tranqs. Simple as that. Do you have any questions?"

"NO SIR."

"Alright men, now the wolves are about five klicks north of our position. When we get about a half a klick out, fan out and surround them. We will give it about five mikes once we get into position, then the fire team will set fire to the woods. Teams Charlie and Delta, by this time you will be in position to cut off escape routes. Wait until the fire cuts off all escape routes, then attack. And remember, the flower maiden and the white wolf must be brought in alive or it's our heads. Alright, let's move out."

A few hours later, Kiba's eyes was drooping with fatigue. He was just about to wake Tsume, when a peculiar smell hit his nose. It was a smell that was all to familiar. The smell of smoke and burning pine trees. Kiba was wide awake now as he shouted at the others. "Guys. Wake up now. We got to get moving."

Everyone was up in a flash. Smoke was rolling over them. Everywhere the wolves looked, there was fire coming from all directions. That was when soldiers appeared. Gunfire was cut lose. the wolves easily dodged the shots. Kiba, Tsume, and Hige stood their ground, trying to fight the soldiers. Toboe and Blue surrounded Cheza trying to protect her.

"Anybody got any ideas, because it's getting pretty toasty here," Hige exclaimed.

"We need to find a way outta here, now." shouted Tsume.

"Kiba, take Cheza and get her outta here. We'll hold them off," yelled Blue.

"What about you guys."

"Don't worry about us," snapped Tsume. "Just get your damn asses out of here! NOW!"

Kiba picked up Cheza, put her on his back, and ran like hell. The other wolves were trying to hold the soldiers off as best they could. Tsume Leapt at the closest soldier and ripped into the part of his throat that was vulnerable under his helmet. Blue and Hige was likewise occupied. Toboe kept dodging the soldiers attacks in front of him, finally knocking him on his back and biting at him. All of a sudden, from behind them, they heard a strangled yelp.

"Kiba!" Toboe exclaimed.

Kiba ran with Cheza on his back. Flames was surrounding them everywhere. He felt Cheza's grip tighten around his neck as he jumped a fallen tree that was still partially on fire. Kiba continued running, glancing behind him every so often to see if any soldiers were on his tail. He came around a bend and stopped abruptly. He was surrounded by another contigient of soldiers that had lain in wait. Kiba set Cheza on the ground and , shifting into his wolf form, got ready to fight. All of a sudden, he noticed something prick him in the back of his left shoulder. He snarled and yanked it out with his fangs. He was hit two more times causing him to let out a yelp. He turned and saw Cheza hit the ground before the ground rushed up to meet him.

Toboe was bringing up the rear as they were running to Kiba's position. Bullets were flying all around them as the soldiers attempted to gun them down. there was only five chasing them, the rest having been dealt with earlier. Suddenly, Toboe felt a pain on his back right thigh, and another going across his right side rib cage. He yelped in pain and tumbled to the ground, rolling several times and somehow landed on all four paws. He tried to run again, but his leg gave out from under him. He started trying to get up but noticed several of the soldiers taking aim at him. He closed his eyes and waited for the end.

Tsume came to a stop and looked back over his shoulder when he heard toboe's cry of pain. He turned around without thinking and rushed back to Toboe's aid. Toboe had rolled back to his feet but fell again. Tsume crashed into the nearest soldier. After knocking him down and finishing him off, he looked around for his next victim. He saw that there was no reason to worry because Hige and Blue had dispatched all the other soldiers. Tsume came up to Toboe who was still trying to get back on his feet. Tsume slung him on his back, still in wolf form, and took off towards Kiba's last known location. Just as Tsume got to where they heard Kiba last, they saw a ship taking off. The last remaining soldiers advanced on them. "Shit, they got Kiba and Cheza! Damn you Jagura!" Hige exclaimed. The fire was getting worse. Tsume only saw one escape route left. "Guys, come on." He took off running toward a wall of flames. He heard Toboe gasp from behind him just as he leapt through, and came out on the other side with nothing more than some singed fur. He continued running until they were safely away form the burning forest. Hige was right on his heels. They came to a stop. Tsume ducked down and Hige helped get Toboe off his back. Tsume dropped to the ground gratefully, sides heaving. He made his way to his feet as he heard Hige say, "Where's Blue?

Blue was on Hige's heels when she got blocked by a tree that fell in her path. She came to a stop and looked around frantacally. All around her was fire. There was no escape. She went all directions, starting to despair. She wasn't going to make it out. She was going to burn to death. To her left, she started hearing steaming water. She looked over and saw a break in the wall of flames as it came to a stream. Blue didn't think. She just ran to the stream and jumped in. She swam to the other side and got out. She was going to try to run around the flames and catch back up with the others but the flames had started on the other side by that time. She had no choice but to turn around and run frome the fire. She would have no choice but to catch up with the pack later. 'I love you Hige. You and the guys stay safe.

"Blue! Blue!" Hige was running around trying to find Blue. It had been hours since the fire had finally gone out and he had been trying to find Blue since. The poor guy was in a panic. Toboe had tried to comfort him but Hige was in too much of a panic. He was running around trying to find Blue or at least pick up on her scent. He was at the same time, trying to pick up on Kiba and Cheza's scent as well. It was no use. The fire had burned all the scents away. All he could pick up on was the smell of burned pine and cedar, as well as the smell of smoke and ashes. He shifted to his human form to move some burned trees out of his way. He sniffed at the air again and then fell to his knees in despair. Tsume walked up to him and with uncharacteristic kindness, put a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry Porkey. I can't pick up on none of their scents either. But keep your chin up. If anything would have happened to either one of them, we would have felt it. We will find Blue, Kiba and Cheza. I swear it. Right now, we need to get back to the Runt and get outta here."

Hige only nodded his head. He got back to his feet and, turning to Tsume, asked, "You want me to carry the Runt now?"

"If you want to. We'll take turns."

Hige nodded and started making his way back to Toboe with Tsume following. Soon, they got back to where Toboe was. He was laying down, trying not to aggrivate his injuries. His leg had stopped bleeding about an hour ago but his side was still oozing blood. He picked his head up when they came back to the clearing but put it down again when he didn't see Blue. "No luck huh?"

"Yeah, you could say that," Hige said dejectally. Hige walked over to Toboe and laid down beside of him in wolf form. Tsume went to Toboe's uninjured side and said, "Okay Runt. Up and at them." He picked up Toboe and gently laid him on Hige's back. Hige carefully got up so as not to jostle Toboe. They then took off, leaving the scene of carnage behind them.