Forever In Your Arms

by aayamebeastar16

When an unknown mutant is killed in her world that was filled with torture and pain, and is now in another world filled with anthroponomic animals it seemed like a blessing in disguise or so she thought. Still haunted by the demons of her dark past and faces discrimination and fear in a new world. Will a shy, gentle wolf be the opportunity of peace and love she seeks?

13. Chapter 13

Finishing up the last of the meal I prepared in the small kitchen in my dorm building, the warm steam from the pot hits my face as the aroma made me hum with content as I poured the contents into two small bowls and placing lids over the top to secure the meals. I just hoped that Legoshi would like what I was preparing, I thought about making us a little picnic dinner to eat for when we hung out tonight. I will admit I was excited but pretty nervous at the same time, sure we see each other every day when it came to meeting up for breakfast in the morning and being a part of the stage crew working together in drama club, you would think I wouldn't be as nervous as I am now since we have known each other well over a month now. But I guess it's because it would be just the two of us with no prying eyes to be watching our every move. And that this would be my first ever hangout with a boy that I loved.

What seemed like hell the first weeks of starting at Cherryton Academy and after dealing with the stage incident, life seemed to be quite peaceful now. I was growing more comfortable with everyday life and the days seem to be treating me a little better with kindness, sure there would still be staring from others or hearing a small group whispering in the distance. But I try not to let that bother me as much anymore with all the good that has come into my life. Even when I would stop in and see Louis at recovering at the medical wing, we were becoming closer as friends, having an occasional laugh or sharing ideas to better enhance drama club.

Luckily things at drama club were now back to normal, and it looked like the conflict between Legoshi and Bill was now resolved after everything that occurred. Keeping them apart was a bit easier than I thought since Legoshi and I spent most of our time up in the rafters together anyways working on props and lighting away from the tiger. And now we all could sit together without the concern that would come to my mind about another brawl ensuing.

The only way life could be better at this moment is that I wish I knew how Haru was after visiting her somewhat at the gardening club, I still couldn't help but feel a hint of sadness still lingering not being able to properly talk to her. I know I confessed a lot to her from behind a closed door, that was the first time I ever spoke to anyone about one of my stories of horror from my years of confinement. I never even told the government when I first came to this world. I don't know why I felt more comfortable confessing to a small rabbit rather than a grown person, maybe because I have had so many prior bad experiences with adults or I was just saving myself from more pain. Or maybe...was that what friends do? Tell each other their secrets?

But I guess it doesn't matter now, I only hoped one day we might be able to talk and resolve our differences. Yet that day might never come...

Aside from that, now with more peace in my life than before, I wanted to experience more of the joyful things that this life had to offer, even enjoying the things that most would take for granted every day. Like what I am doing now, I achieved a new skill, I got into cooking over the last few weeks, and I had to say it was quite therapeutic like when I created my music. There was a lot of options to make, and I tried making any kind of herbivore or carnivore dish that was worth giving a try and taste whenever I could. But music was still my best way of escaping reality whenever I needed to. I enjoyed whenever I thought of a new tune when humming while doing schoolwork or walking outside and I was able to make a song out of it with lyrics that somehow came naturally to me. I had a plan next week to make my first ever trip out into the city to get some recording equipment for my music and pick up a few more things to decorate my dorm room.

Looking at the time on my phone, I realized it was almost 7:30 and would be meeting up with Legoshi soon. After cleaning up the kitchen, I put everything that I prepared into a small woven basket and make my way back up to my dorm room upstairs. I slip out of my uniform and look into my wardrobe, trying to figure out on what to possibly wear for tonight. Still being brand new here in this world, I was only given a small handful of clothes given to me by the government right before I started school, mainly just a few causal items and a couple of pairs of sneakers. Alright, adding new clothes to my list of things I need to get when I go into the city.

Since it was nice and warm out tonight, I picked out something simple but enough to cover the scars on my body. I slid on a dark blue shirt covering it with a black zip up hoodie along with black sweatpants and some white sneakers. Simple yet effective since it would give me the coverage I needed to sneak out.

Slipping in two tall bottles of cold soda, I hooked the basket over my arm and pushed open my dorm window and climbed up along the edge of the windowsill. The warm breezy night air stroked along my face as my hair brushed gently against my cheeks. So many beautiful stars littered the midnight blue sky surrounding the full white glowing moon, it reminded me so much of home. How I would always look out my childhood bedroom window at bedtime and just watch the night come to life. I guess somethings would never change. I eyed the wooded area in the distance where Legoshi and I would be meeting at. Pulling my hood up over my head I take a leap down falling from the very top of my dorm building down towards the ground below passing by the other floors silently. Like an owl gracefully soaring through the air. Getting closer to the ground, two vectors emerge out from my sides as they caught my landing as my feet softly make contact.

Walking through the grounds of the school I made it towards the start of the wooded trail, I pull out my phone and text Legoshi.

"Hey I am here! Where are you?"

Sending the text, I slid my phone back in the pocket of my hoodie. Not even a few moments later I could hear some rustling nearby causing me to flinch as my eyes scanned across the area. The dim lighting of the glowing lanterns that lined along the stoned path that led around the wooded area showed of nothing that was within distance. I then heard rustling again this time what sounded like was in the treetops, I quickly spun around to see a looming shadow standing in a clearing of a tangle of tree branches. Even with their large figure being covered by a thick hoodie, I knew immediately by the height of who it was. "Right here" they spoke

"Hey Legoshi!"

The wolf pulled his hood back revealing himself underneath before he jumped down from the treetop. Legoshi looked so different than being in his school uniform, sure I have seen him in club attire and the costume I made for him for the performance, but to me he looked great in casual clothing. Even though it was as simple as wearing a dark navy hoodie, black sweatpants and his backpack over his shoulders, he still looked handsome.

"H-Hey Aayame, glad you came"

"Of course, I wouldn't want to miss it! That's...quite a way to make an appearance"

"Oh y-yeah...I uh I-I'm sorry if I spooked you, it was a bit of a trouble for me sneaking out, security has been patrolling a lot since Tem's devouring. I had to hide in a leaf pile when the guards walked past, and I thought you were them again"

"Well that makes sense and that would explain the leaves you got stuck on your ears" I giggle pointing up at the oak leaves that were stuck along the edge of his tall ears

His eyes glanced up before he flicked away with the leaves from his head with an embarrassed grin. "So...uh, where exactly are we going?"

"O-Oh it's a little greenery clearing I found while exploring during my first week of school. It's a little bit of a walk, but it will be worth it. Oh I...uh made us a little something to eat as well"

I showed him the basket on my arm as he sniffed the air, before humming with content. "Mmmmmm that smells nice, oh...I-I brought something too...it uh...it's in my backpack, oh t-that's smart I probably should have used a basket like you"

He points behind his shoulder before rubbing the top of his head with a nervous chuckle. I couldn't help but giggle, he is so shy, but at least he tries. The fact that he tried for me, it meant everything. "No need to worry, I am sure whatever you brought will taste great too! Come on, race you there!"

The girl gives him a sweet smile and takes off running with a giggle before the wolf could even say anything. Shaking his daze, he takes off running behind her. "H-Hey, wait for me!"

I hurried ahead of him before taking a slight detour of the trail and hid behind a tree trunk. As soon as I heard the running footsteps of Legoshi approaching, I jumped out in front of him with a playful roar nearly causing him himself to shriek in surprise and nearly lost his footing before I continue to run off with a giggle. "Gotcha!"

"Aayame!" He called out with a chuckle, running after me

Walking further along the trail, I pushed back some low hanging branches and bushes till we made it out of the thick brush and that's when we came to a grassy clearing that was adorned with a small hill that was set in center underneath the glow of the full moon, surrounded by the oak trees giving it a secluded feel. "Wow, I didn't know that this was here"

The wolf looks around curiously as the girl walked towards the hill, prompting him to follow behind her. "I love exploring, it's a wonderful way of opening your eyes to the world, you just never know what you are going to find"

Settling on top of the hill, Legoshi slid off his backpack before taking out two white small boxes from inside as he hands her one. "What's this?" She gives him a look of curiosity

"I-It's not much, they are just egg sandwiches, I-I thought you would get hungry"

I opened the lid of the box and inside were four small sandwiches with fluffy eggs in between the white rectangular pieces of bread. "Oh these look good!"

Taking one into my hand, I take a bite and smile as I chewed it, the warmth and fluffiness of the eggs combined with the soft bread made me hum in content. "Wow this is tasty! I love them!"

He took a bite out of one himself before responding. "Mmmm yeah they are the best on Wednesdays"

"What? No way, they are really not all the same?"

"I swear they are different; I don't know how to describe it; we are lucky we can get them at the school kiosk"

"So that's where you get them from! I heard about how popular they were getting around school but couldn't find them; I will have to grab some again in between classes!"

He chuckled taking another bite out of his own as I took out the bowls from the basket before taking off the lids. The warm, steamy aroma coming from inside the bowls made my mouth water, I just hoped he would find the taste as good as it smelt. "Hope you will like it; I wasn't sure if you were a noodle lover"

I placed a bowl with chopsticks resting along the rim in front of him. Taking a sniff the wolf hummed in content again, it sure smelt good what she had made. Unclipping his chopsticks, he eyed the clear jelly-like noodles in his bowl mixed in with an egg sunny side up and mixed in with some kind of yellow pieces that he wasn't too familiar of what it was, but it had a fresh fruit kind of smell to it. Taking the bowl into his hand and a slurp with his chopsticks, his eyes beamed wide tasting the contents, savoring the flavor along his tongue.

"S-So do you like it?" I look to the wolf with a hint of nervousness in my voice

"Mmmmm this is good...this is really good, what is it?"

I let out a big sigh internally in relief, this would be my first dish I ever made for someone else and for it being made for my crush, I smiled happily seeing that he liked it before taking a slurp of it myself. "It's tokoroten with jackfruit, one of my personal favorites"

"I don't...I don't think I ever heard of a jackfruit before"

"Neither have I, when I got lunch the other week from the cafeteria one of the workers was telling me all about it, they said it's some new kind of fruit that the school was serving for carnivores. Apparently, it's full of protein, but it has a sweet flavor to it. They were kind enough to give me some and I thought that it would be a good addition"

"No kidding, well this is delicious!"

"It's also good in stews as well, now I don't mean to brag but I can make a good jackfruit stew"

The wolf chuckled softly as he took another slurp of his noodles. He had to admit it; he was nervous about coming out here tonight. So much has happened over the last few weeks between them, he didn't think he would have the guts to even ask her to hang out. It was honestly a split-second decision his mind made up. The words just kind of mumbled out of his mouth. But still he couldn't have been happier that she agreed to it. So much has changed in his life. From being the one that nearly devoured her, saving her from being devoured by Bill, to sharing their first kiss, getting over the aftershock of the performance and her saving him from being kicked out from the club. He thought for sure that things would be more complicated between him and her, but its surprisingly brought them closer together.

Even with discovering her hidden secret, it didn't change one view about her to him. He guessed he kind of sensed there was something more to her species, but he never would imagine something like that. But even so, he was empathic to why she hid it for so long, some of his own features can be frightening to others. Even with him keeping his claws clipped down and not trying to show his sharp teeth, it still didn't ease the weary looks that most would give him when they laid eyes upon him. But not her, she accepted his flaws even though he still didn't accept himself being born a wolf, it felt nice for him to be able to share a moment like this with her.

Without her knowledge he was wanting to hang out with her for quite some time now. But every time he worked up the courage to ask her, his own fears and insecurities sets up roadblocks preventing him from doing so. But here he was now, enjoying time with her that didn't appear to be as awkward when they first shared dinner together weeks ago. It appeared to be more comfortable and friendly. Even eating this good food together with her and seeing her smile was enough to make him happy. "This tokoroten is really good, I wish they would serve it in the cafeteria, the jackfruit adds a nice taste to it"

"Well...m-maybe if you want you can come visit me in my dorm sometime, I can make you more of it. I can do all kinds of stuff for you, stuffed cream cheese mushrooms, bean steak curry you name it"

"Y-Yeah I...I'd like that"

Seeing her blush pink in her cheeks and hearing her sweet giggle was enough for the wolf to blush like crazy. As the night drew on, she and him continued on with their meal while sparking in conversation on any topic that was openly expressed from childhood memories to funny stories sharing smiles and laughter. And probably for the first time for both, they were able to talk to each other comfortably with no hint of fear or shyness emitting from either of them. Now they were moved on the topic of sharing interests as the young girl popped open the bottles of soda for the two of them.

"So, what about like after high school do you want to go to university?" I smiled as I took a sip of my drink

"Yeah, um I want to try to get my four year degree and become an entomologist, which I would be studying mainly about is insects. Ultimately my dream is to work in an insectarium"

"Oh wow! That sounds like an interesting career choice, I'm guessing Beetly gave you some inspiration on that one"

"Well actually I have been interested with insects since I was little, I would collect them in the forest near home I would go exploring in with Jack. I don't know why but I always just found them to be fascinating. It's like a whole other world that we hardly know about"

"Sounds like you have the perfect drive and interest to take on that career"

He chuckled bashfully. "Well...uh what about you? What do you think might do?"

"Well, I'm hoping to pursue a career in music possibly being able to perform in front of others maybe when I'm able to get more confidence. It would be nice if I did, so my music would be able to bring all kinds of species together. But if that doesn't work out at least I have an alternative of going to university too either doing child therapy or nursing, I'm wanting to do something that makes a difference in the lives of others"

If you only knew the difference you have already made in my life already...

"I-I think you really could make life better for others, you did for my friends, so I don't think it will be any trouble for you"

I could feel a sparkle of light rise in my eyes as I looked up to him with a mixture of awe and coyness. "Aww...I don't know about that, but thank you that means a lot"

It was the truth though; it did mean a lot to me that he thinks that of me, the fact that Legoshi, this wolf whom I love even believes in me, thinking I could make a difference in the lives of others. I don't know why but hearing it come from him, it's like a sprout of confidence had taken root from within me. After a few moments of silence, I see Legoshi turn his head towards me. "So, uh there was something I was wanting to ask you"

"What is it?"

"How come you wanted to meet all the way out here?"

"Well...it's kind of strangely relevant"

"Mmmm what does that mean?"

"Just that well, in my perspective for being an unknown species, when you look strange in the world around you, rumors tend to spread like wildfire and unfortunately tend to linger"

A look of concern came over the wolf's features. "W-Wait hang on, are you being bullied?"

"W-What? N-No I-"

"I-Is it because you have been seen so much with a wolf?"

"I have always been bullied; its just a lot of change has happened to me"

"But what can I do for you? You know how much I worry-"

"No, don't!" I cut him off mid-sentence letting my hands hold his soft furry cheeks. The wolf froze at the gentle touch of her delicate hands, they are so small but yet could bring calm and excitement to him. He could feel his fur bristle underneath her fingers "But I very much appreciate your concern"

"Mmm maybe if you leaned into it, it wouldn't be fun for them anymore"

"Y-You know I didn't even think about that" I pull my hands away softly; he did hold a point. In the world of my species, we were shunned by our appearances mainly because we looked so different in the world around us. Our horns on our heads, our vectors, we were just different. Every species is different, and I know every species wants more than anything else is to be respected, understood and appreciated. I have a feeling that's what my species wanted too, but for some reason we weren't given those same privileges. I don't know if one did something wrong to make us look bad or it was someone's idea that horned freaks were a disaster by nature, but either way, we didn't deserve such a terrible reputation. Even for Legoshi, he was one of the kindest souls I ever met and that's saying a lot since any carnivore could have killed me by now and he proved to me that not only wolves, but others can be better. He was living proof, even with being treated as poorly as I was by others, he stood true to his nature.

"Sometimes it's easier to agree with what they are saying, but you still try to prove them wrong, it's how I do it. Not to say that most days still hurt."

"But..." The wolf turned his attention towards her "It's nice to know that two people like us can be comfortable together and there is no prejudice. That's the way it should always be for everyone. I can't even imagine you as anything else other than what you are now Legoshi"

The wolf softly smiled; a light pink blush exploded on his cream-colored fur as his tail thumped against the wet grass behind him. "W-Why thank you"

"Anytime" I playfully pinch his cheek before taking another bite of my egg sandwich. A few more minutes passed by as the two enjoyed their meal quietly in peace, another thought began to flood the wolf's mind, one that has made him very curious to know about since the day that he met her.

"H-Hey, there was something else I also wanted to ask you"

"Sure, ask away"

"I know you said you aren't afraid of me nor carnivores or herbivores, but you seem so...so...so calm around me, why is that?"

"Mmm well to be honest, there is another relevance to that. You see, you remind me of someone I once knew"

The wolf's eyes beamed in surprise. "W-Wait you knew another wolf?"

"Yes, I did, he was my friend when I was a little girl"

"Was he...nice?"

"Very nice, like you" I spoke as the wolf set down his bowl turning his body slightly in my direction, a look of curiosity spreads over his features. A cherished flashback of my childhood began to resurface.

"We met many years ago, it was on a warm night just like this one. I was exploring along the stream bed near my home trying to catch fireflies, you can always find them flying near the water on the warmest of nights. I caught many of them in the little jar I had and was using it to find my way back home, that's when I saw a pair of glowing eyes in the distance right in front of me. They were staring right at me; I remember them being so mysterious looking but pretty like stars. I thought at first, they were just more fireflies, but that's when I saw...him. That was the first time I ever met a wolf. My mother once told me, that wolves are mysterious souls that possess great knowledge, power, and heart and should be respected. But it wasn't even the fear of being in front of a carnivore for the first time that had me scared, but what had been done to him. Someone had hurt him, I remembered how badly he was limping towards me as he struggled to stand and how I ran to catch him in my arms to keep him from falling. It didn't occur to me at the time why someone would hurt someone else that probably meant no harm. Far more chilling than seeing him covered in blood from a wound on his shoulder, was the lostness and confusion that was seen in his eyes, knowing that someone can be cruel to another that they don't understand, that was a different level of fear. But I was able to gain his trust by showing kindness. From what I was taught, is that the kindness that you show to others will always find its way back to you in some form. My mother helped heal his wound and we met his family that lived in our forest home nearby for the first time and from that day on, we became the best of friends. So you see, I am calm around you because I have no reason to be afraid because sometimes, even big carnivores can be scared of someone they don't know either. It works both ways for everyone. So no, you don't scare me."

Legoshi was left speechless by her words, his eyes widen with awe as she let her hand rest on top of his own. The two stared at each other momentarily, before she spoke again. "I feel like, you were scared too, because you were afraid of judgement, I have seen that many times when it comes to herbivores and carnivores, the same look of fear or uncertainty. It must be because their such a long history of hate and discrimination. While it's true there are a lot of differences between species, but really, we are not all that different from each other. At the end of the day, we all just want to live peacefully and be happy"

Her words, they speak with empathy and wisdom, you see us as one of the same. Your eyes seem to see through any deception before you. If only others could see the world itself through your eyes, maybe then that hatred and fear would finally stop.

"Y-Your friend was really lucky to have met you, I would like to meet him one day"

A frown came to my face before my gaze shifted from him. If that was only still possible. I felt like I had it all, until that one moment where my whole world just crashed all around me. The wolf's face turns to concern as the girl brought her crossed legs up towards her chest. "What is it?"

"He is no longer alive, and if it wasn't for him and someone else, I don't know if I would be here"

"H-He died? W-What happened to him?"

"He was killed by a-"

I paused mid-sentence. How was I going to explain that? It's not like I could tell him that some army of monsters had invaded my home and killed my one friend who was trying to protect me from harm. Hell, he doesn't even know that the world I came from that animals were wild and couldn't walk on two legs, wear clothes, or even talk like the ones in this world could! If I had said any of this, he would think I am delusional. Okay I have to say something without making it seem suspicious.

"By a monster" I finally answer and hug my legs closer to my chest before my eyes shut, trying to fight back the tears that were threatening to flood

The wolf could see the sadness in her face, it looked like she really cared for her friend. That was one of the things he appreciated about her, she could see past of what most couldn't see when they are face to face with a carnivore. Not very many would give a second thought like she had. She never showed judgement or prejudice, she was the first one to ever to see and treat him like he was for himself. And knowing she has been this way ever since she was young made his admiration for her grow stronger knowing her kind and gentle heart was of accepting those who otherwise would be shunned or hated. He slowly scooted over closer to her, making the gap between the pair shrink as the girl looked up to him reflecting her pain through her sparkling wet eyes towards his. "What was your friend's name?"

"Okami...in the old language it means one with power and mystique"

"It...It sounds like he was a really good friend, I...I have a feeling he wanted you to be here, to live, because he wanted you to be happy"

I couldn't help but smile sadly as I dried my eyes. "Yeah, maybe you are right. As much as it does hurt that he is no longer here, there was some grace in that, I would never have had the chance to meet you"

The wolf's tail began to wag back and forth eagerly before her eyes turned towards the soft glowing moon over their heads with him following her gaze. Over the next hour, the atmosphere was peaceful, crickets were chirping in the background as a gentle breeze blew across the grassy hill they were now laying down upon. The wolf was pointing out some of the constellations that he could see visible in the sky and explain the meaning behind each one he knew to her, sparking more of their already good conversation. Even when she asked for help in locating a constellation his gentle and patient guidance helped point out where the stars were in the sky and how they connected together. When a shooting star went soaring across the sky, the wolf couldn't help but admire her child like excitement as she made a wish. Without her knowledge, he secretly made a wish too, that he could spend more moments like this with her.

"It's such a nice night" I softly spoke

"Y-Yeah it really is"

I slowly turned my head to face to him before rolling myself over on my stomach, sitting up slightly on my bent arms. "Hey Legoshi, do you ever wonder what could be out there? You know, beyond the school?"

His gaze turned towards me before he turned his body on to his side. "It's been so long since I last saw the outside world, I don't even what it could be like, sometimes I do wonder though"

"Maybe...Maybe we just might be able to make that happen"

"W-Wait, what do you mean?"

"What do you say you and I run away?"

"B-But won't we get in trouble?"

"Not if they don't catch us" I giggle getting up to my feet

Legoshi quickly sat up, his mind pondering on what she could be talking about. "But how are we supposed to get pass the walls? Security patrols down there every night"

"I think I have something that can help us"

As she moved in front of him, the wolf watched the girl with curiosity and hint of confusion. Her hands came together as her eyes slid shut, as the wind began to pick up in speed blowing her luscious hair around freely, he could see her vectors slithered out from behind her back as they floated up into the air. With a soft gasp, Legoshi watched in awe seeing her vectors shimmering underneath the moonlight like ethereal wings, long and elegant, they carefully rise her up from the ground as she floated in midair. He has never before seen anything like this. She looked so alive, as if he was seeing a real life angel floating right in front of him, vibrant and free.

"Woah! Y-You...Y-You can fly?"

"Um sort of...it's just my vectors carrying my weight, I guess it's better than nothing" I shrug with a smile as I float down in front of him, holding out my hand to him "Legoshi, will you come fly with me?"

The wolf's own heart raced in thought, but doubt began to creep in. "Uh I...I-I'm not really good with heights", He confessed, a hint of nervousness tinged in his voice

"I-It's okay, I know it may look scary, flying was a little scary for me when I first tried it. But I promise I won't let anything happen to you. You and I, I don't think we have experienced freedom in quite a long time, so why not continue what we have started? We can let go of everything for just a little while and just be free"

As her words start to sink in, his mind began to contemplate on her offering. He doesn't think he has ever had experienced such a word. Freedom sounds like something anyone would hear in a dream or in a fantasy. Here in this world everyone was afraid of each other, carnivores and herbivores try so hard to keep their distance. For as long as he could remember life was a struggle, for simply being born a wolf, trying to relate to those who otherwise would be afraid of him and dealing with the depression that came along with it. Sometimes there were days where he could just stay in bed and sleep the day away it was too much. But ever since he has come to know her, it's like part of that struggle was alleviated and now she was offering him a chance, a gateway to leave his struggles behind for once, to finally be able to breathe a little. It was strange and unfamiliar to him being in a new kind of territory where he didn't have to fear anything, but still, how could he pass on that kind of opportunity?

"Freedom sounds like something anyone could ever wish for"

I give him a warm smile as he reflects one in return. His warm, sweaty hand reached up slowly till it rested in my palm as two of my vectors began to surround him.

The wolf stuttered nervously as he found himself being lifted up off the ground, he could feel the ghostly feeling of her vectors secure around his waist. This doesn't seem real, sure he had seen what her vectors can do put didn't imagine they could lift a full-grown wolf into the air. Wobbling back and forth trying to balance, the girl floats forward allowing him to stable himself on her forearms as her hands holds his arms steady. "Are you okay?"

"Y-Yeah I think so...t-this is..."

"A little strange?"

"Not even that, I just feel like I'm...weightless"

He looks down as he lets his legs dangle, kicking the air lightly. "That's the beauty behind it all, nothing holds you down when you are up in the air"

I gently take his hand and turn us to face in the opposite direction towards the way from where we once came, before turning my head towards him. "You ready?"

He nods a bit hesitantly. "Y-Yeah I am ready"

"Hold on tight!"

Before the wolf could say anything more my vectors pushed us up and across the air as we began to fly along the tops of the trees of the wooded area and now weaving in and around past the buildings of the school. Legoshi screamed in surprise as we rose higher up into the sky as he had clung around my shoulders tightly. As we flew higher up, I looked back to see we passed the school walls and Cherryton Academy was becoming nothing more than a speck in the distance as we began to fly over the city nearby. My exhilaration growing as we flew in closer. The view was more breathtaking than I could have ever imagined. "Wow! Legoshi you have got to see this!"

The wolf peered out from hiding his face in her shoulder, squeaking in fright holding on to her instinctively tighter, seeing just how high her vectors were taking them as they flew over the city. If it wasn't for his fear of heights he was facing in this very moment, he would be a blushing embarrassed mess to be holding on to her like this. "Don't worry I got you, it's okay...just let go"

Listening to her encouraging words and after a moment of resistance, he found the courage to slowly release his hold on her shoulders and began to glide out beside her, keeping his hand intertwined with hers. As his eyes focused on what was ahead, he could only gasp in amazement, his eyes becoming filled with awe and wonder. He has seen the city as a child and from a distance from his dorm room window sometimes, but seeing it up close and at night, it's like being surrounded by a kaleidoscope of shimmering lights that flicker from the buildings. How it had transformed into a spectacle of beauty and wonder.

"This is...wow!" As he looks around taking in the view, it was breathtaking. Like a glittering tapestry, each light with a story to be told. He can't help but feel a spark of excitement had lit up inside of him "This is amazing! We are so high up!"

"Heights don't seem to be bothering you too much anymore?"

"I-I actually kind of like them"

"That's good, because when it comes to exploring the unknown you just might find something new about yourself"

Legoshi felt a rush of exhilaration mixed with something deeper as she turns her gaze to look beside him, something else within him was growing more for the girl that flew by his side. The way her infectious smile could light up this whole city if she wanted to, the way her presence made him feel brave, it was intoxicating.

Thank you so much for this...I never knew I could feel so free

"Y-You made this look so easy, I never thought I would see myself flying, but..."

"I understand, sometimes when you are faced with the unknown it can be scary, especially when you are not sure what to expect, but that's what makes life special"

A gentle warm smile grows on his face. "Y-Yeah you are right, I guess I just needed a little push"

"And look at us now, we are flying over the city with nothing holding us back! You deserve to feel free Legoshi, all of us do, sometimes all it takes is someone to show us how"

The smile on the wolf's face grew bigger as they flew by the massive structures passing over the bustle of the night life that was happening on the streets below.

"I love the feeling of the wind in my fur!" Legoshi shook his head as the strong wind blew against his fur pushing it back against his face

"I thought you might! This is a good one, whoever seen a flying wolf before?"

"Y-Yeah or a flying girl!"

I couldn't help but laugh as we soared up past the limits of the city below, becoming a shrinking shining speck. Now flying higher up, we rose up to the thick fluffy clouds that floated mindlessly high in the night sky. "The possibilities are limitless; we can fly as high as the clouds!"

Breaking through the cotton like feeling of one, we were now flying over what seemed like an endless mass field of pillow like softness. The sky was bathed in a soft, white ethereal light. As our hands drift apart, I couldn't help flying down towards a cloud and laugh rolling across it as its plushness encased around me like a soft blanket. "Oh, they are soft!"

It's almost like I am just reliving my childhood all over again, during those good days whenever I would leave the cottage my mother and I shared to go out exploring for the day, sometimes staying out until it got dark outside. Rolling down the lush green hills of the fields, flying through the air with the songbirds, and running through the forest with Okami and his family. Every day it felt like an adventure and now that I am here in this world high in the air with Legoshi, it was like I am able to share part of that happy feeling I had experienced with him. Rolling off down the cloud, a surprised squeak of laughter escaped from me as I land into another one.

"And fluffy!" The wolf called out

Peaking my head up from the cloud I see Legoshi fly through one as it left an imprint of his tall body through the fluffy texture, before flying through another as it left another imprint. I laughed as it echoed through the silent night sky, backstroking through the cloud I'm in before twirling around causing the cloud to coil around my body I shoot up into the air, before falling down towards Legoshi. As Legoshi was jumping across a path of clouds sinking into one before diving right into the next one on all fours before his head popped up through one with a cloud around the muzzle of his face looking like a beard causing me to giggle, before he shook it free, blushing with embarrassment. "Come on this way!"

Leaving the cloudy night sky, now flying across the horizon venturing into the great unknown, we came over the dark ocean as the water rippling like a silver ribbon dancing under the glow of the moon. The water shimmered like diamonds reflecting the many stars shining above. The salty yet refreshing scent was so strong that I could practically taste it along my tastebuds. "I-I don't think I ever seen the sea before, wonder what's down there"

"Well only one way to find out! Let's go!"

Drawing in closer towards the water, I release two more vectors out to the sides of me as they skimmed along the surface. As my feet land on top, I start to run over the small rippling waves, leaving a trail of sprayed water behind me in my wake laughing. Legoshi flew in from beside me as he spun around in circles laughing alongside. Racing along the current, a huge wave came rolling up in front of us as we went towards the inside of it, I let one vector quickly slither underneath my feet as it carried me along the current forward.

Legoshi flying right above her, peered towards his side to see the wonderful aquatic life swimming inside from within the wave. He had never seen anything like this up close and personal before. As the spray from the wave sprinkled along his face, he let his hand curiously touch the water as it created a small open channel in the wave, and some of the little fish came jumping out surprising him before disappearing down into the sea again.

The wave came crashing down just as we left the tunnel of water, the force of the splash causes me to be launched into the air before landing on my back as my vectors caught me, continuing to fly on. That's when I saw Legoshi come soaring down as he flew right above me, in that very moment, our eyes became locked on to each other and I couldn't help but stare up at him. The way that his damp fur blew against the ocean breeze against his softened expression, how the warmth of his smile matched the brightness of the moon and stars that hung in the sky above us. The moment was perfect as I felt my heart not only race from the thrill of the flight, but being with him experiencing real freedom for the first time in this new life.

I became so lost in thought that I didn't even realize that Legoshi had taken a hold of my hand and stirred us out of the way of another wave that was about to crash down over the top of us as he held me close around his arm. As strong the smell of the sea was that filled the air, the lingering scent of oak and cinnamon embedded in his hoodie fills my nostrils making me smile in content leaning slightly into him as my eyes fluttered closed.

As the wolf and girl began to make their descent back towards Cherryton Academy, a sense of bittersweet longing filled the wolf. He didn't want this adventure to end, the world below was becoming into a clearer view, the familiar buildings and their picnic spot on the hill that laid untouched reappearing in front of them. He felt as if he were leaving part of himself behind during their exploration together. He can't remember the last time that he ever smiled and laughed this much. He felt his heart swelling with a sense of what freedom really felt like. Away from the judgement and expectations that came with his status of being a wolf and a student. During their time away from school, they shared many moments of pure, unbridled joy without a care in the world. He knows that this newfound feeling was only temporary, and that tomorrow he would be back to dealing with his continuing struggles, but for now in this moment he held on to it for all that it was worth.

As we descended down from the air, my vectors emerge out in front of us as they caught our landing, but I hadn't realized we were coming in faster than I thought as we landed along the soft grass, tumbling over a few times before we came to a stop with light laughter. "S-Sorry about that, I thought we had a little more time to land on our feet"

"I-It's okay, I have had harder landings than this"

Giggling softly, we got up to our feet and made our way back up to the little spot on the hill just enjoying the remainder of the early late night in peace. "So...how did you like flying?"

"That...that was fun...more thrilling than I ever could have realized. Thank you for showing me everything. I never thought there was a whole other world just by being up in the air"

"Like I mentioned, sometimes we find the greatest things in the most uncertain places, you just have to take a leap of faith to see what more can be seen"

The wolf felt a strange tightness in his chest, it's like part of that feeling of longing for acceptance was partially fulfilled being with her, it's like the world around him was fading all around him into a blur of color and it was just her. "Y-You know I think you are right"

I turned myself to face him. "Let's make a pact, whenever you feel lost or if you ever want to get away, we can escape reality for a little while and we can fly anywhere we want to...together, sound like a plan?"

I held out my hand to him as he rested his in my palm. "Y-Yeah...I would like that"

As if it was just by natural response, our hands slowly tightened into a firm and gentle grip as our fingers intertwined. I could feel a warm blush had crept up into my cheeks as my gaze moved up towards him and that's when our eyes meet once more, neither of us blinking once. But as our gaze was becoming stronger, it felt almost impossible to let go. I don't know what it was, but it was like the feel of gravity was slowly pulling us closer together and I felt his other hand slowly brush past against my cheek before resting it against the side of my head. The palm of his fur felt so plush against me; I couldn't help but lean my head against it. As he started moving in closer, my hands instinctively went to grip his shoulders as the gap between us started to become smaller, till our lips finally connect. How I longed to feel the feeling of his lips against mine once again, they were just as sweet and caring as the first time. It wasn't long till the kiss was slowly becoming more deeper and more passionate. I could feel the same butterflies erupt in my belly as I felt our lips begin to dance softly against each other. This kiss felt much stronger than the last one, like there was a deeper meaning behind it. I slowly leaned in forward to get closer till I felt his strong forearm go around my waist, pulling me towards him where I find myself hovering over his crossed legs as I straddled his hips leaning over him. My hands released his shoulders as my arms wrapped around his neck then my one hand snakes up behind his head letting my fingers comb through his fur, pushing my lips harder against his. A soft growl erupted from his chest as his hand moved towards the back of my head. I could feel his sharp claws run along my hair and scalp, sending a shiver down my spine. Low moans and growls filled the silent night air, even the glow of the moonlight seemed to have shone brighter.

With courage, my lips gently sucked at his lower lip as a breathy growl escapes from him and I slid my tongue inside of his mouth. My tongue grazing along the pointed edges of his sharp canine teeth before entangling around his tongue in a gentle embrace. And with that, he pulled me closer around my head deepening the kiss till I was flushed against him, barely able to feel the outline of his broad chest against me.

I don't know why, but this moment just felt...natural, like this was just meant to happen. Tonight, that was the first time I felt real freedom in years, even without being in the confinements of a dark prison cell, I never felt freer and more alive than I did now. It's like my heart had remained in the sky, forever changed by the magic of adventure we experienced together. As our lips continued to linger and connect softly against one another, taking in the warmth and plushness of his, I can't help but feel that there was a lingering promise of more explorations in the future.

Many thoughts began to flood in my mind of where our relationship might be going. Our world had gotten a little bigger, a little more exciting, but still there was a small doubt of complication. Was this really the turning point in our relationship? Was this...was this what love is? No...No it has to be, wasn't it?

As the pair continued on with their affectionate kiss, the atmosphere was thick and heavy with feeling. Even the stars and moon were a little brighter as if they had brought a piece of the heavens down with them from their expedition. Unaware to the wolf and girl, they were reflecting of what the real truth was growing between them.