Wolf's Rain: Paradise Ghost (Completed)

Chapter Three

Ikira

Deep. That's how I felt, just dark and everlasting inside of my head. I didn't know if I would ever get out. It didn't feel like I was trapped, but at the same time, I had this feeling that I should try to leave. The last normal thought that I had was how douche-y the white wolf guy was; especially when he yanked me out of my prison so freaking hard.

But, soon my senses brought me back from my internal pit. The first was the odor. Where I was located smelled of strong herbs and a hint of humidity, making it clear to me that I was inside of a den or cave. Next were my ears, which were detecting the crackling of a fireplace and distant humming. That caught my attention the most, for I soon started to open my eyes to look around me.

I was partially correct. Looking around I could see that I was in a den, dirt and clay walls surrounding me in a cozy way with rows of hanging pots and plants decorating them. In front of me, there was a small fire that was dancing about. I looked down to see that I was in a bed, a human bed but with furs of various game.

Then I heard the humming was growing louder, making me realize that I was not alone. I lifted my head and began to straighten myself with my elbows. I was startled by a heavily accented voice.

"Ah wouldn't try that if ah were you with them bust'd legs of yer's." Her voice was as strong as her tone. A Southern female, no doubt. She didn't appear to me, but that didn't stop me from replying.

"And who are you to tell me what to do?" I abruptly retorted. I heaved myself again with my elbows, but as soon as I even slightly lifted my thighs, a force of pain traveled to my back. I held back my sharp inhale, laying back down slowly. A chuckle escaped from the corner of the room, soon followed by a lady's voice.

"Ah told you not to get up, now. You best listen to meh, or you'll be a cripple by the end of the day!" I looked up to see the women. She was a short, old lady, a lightly wrinkled face with eyes golden like honey. Her skin tone was light brown tint, and her hair was an ebony black. Her outfit compared to the cave, a long dark green dress with a weaved yellow belt.

"Now child, you rest yourself so them legs of yours can heal," She calmly said to me, and I couldn't help but finally relax myself and lay back down. She came to the side of the bed and uncovered the sheet to reveal my legs.

I stared in shock as this was the first time I actually saw my legs out of the rocks. With my jeans removed somehow, gashes and scars scattered themselves all over my legs. Ointments and herbs were covering some of the more prominent wounds, but the elder started to remove these to put on the fresher ones. I didn't want to say anything, thinking that I may interrupt her concentration, but I couldn't help myself.

"Um, may I ask, where am I at exactly? I think I was still unconscious when I was brought here..." Without looking, the women answered me lightly.

"Ohmigod, what manners ah have? Haven't even told you where you are." She reached out a hand and smiled warmly. "Ah will be the first to welcome you to the Lunar Pack, with added courtesy of the Leading Four. Kiba was very serious into giving you the care that yer legs needed. Still can't believe that he was able to carry you all the way to my cave. Oh, and the name's Wumphy."

I gradually shook her hand, "Ikira. Thanks for all that you have done. I didn't think that I would be causing you so much... Wait, the Lunar Pack you said?"

Wumphy gave me a confused look, "Ah believe that is what ah said. That a problem for you?"

I couldn't even get the words out. Legends and paintings swarmed my mind as I recalled the many stories of the Leading Four, the most powerful pack in the world. Every wolf that ever lived has awed at the resurrection of these leaders, and how they were the ones that brought peace to the world. Soon after the world became whole again and humanity's population decreased, they were elected naturally as the true leaders of wolves. They were mighty and strong, showing and teaching the world and its creatures the delicate balance that Mother Nature has offered us.

I looked up to see that Wumphy was looking at me with a curious look, and I realized that I must have been staring off for a while.

"N-no, that's not a problem. I'm sorry, it's just that I would have never thought that I would ever end up in the pack of one of the Leading Four." I said with a smile. I didn't want her to see me as a crazy fanatic or something like that.

"Now, don't you worry, child. Every newcomer comes to our pack with that surprise." We both lightly chuckled, and I couldn't help but start to enjoy her company.

It was then that she started to look off towards the entrance of the cave, which was now covered with a sort of curtain of vines. She seemed to be waiting for someone that wasn't coming at the moment. Wumphy looked over at me and started to heave me up slowly. "Ah think that with these herbs, you'll be able to hobble about at least. Ah can imagine that Kiba would like to see you now."

"Oh, okay. I guess meeting my rescuer won't do harm." I whispered to myself. I was finally up to my feet, and I was surprised to feel very little pain. I looked down with a grin.

"Hey, your potions actually work!" I excitedly said to Wumphy. I was greeted with a mocked scowl across her face.

"What, you think Ah'll be giving you some worthless crap? No no, my herbs can grow new limbs if ah wanted." She said proudly with a loud voice. I couldn't help but giggle a little at her pride towards mere plants.

I walked towards the entrance and began to remove the curtain of vines. I honestly didn't know what to expect of this new pack, or what to expect in return. Would I be allowed to join it? Would the Alpha accept me? How big is it? What new task would I get...