CHAPTER NINE.

(MELIORA'S POV)

Squaring my shoulders, and stepping out of the hospital, I looked around the unknown surroundings. It was a bustling city, but I will have to walk to the suburban area. And so, I walked along the busy sidewalks and headed towards the outskirts of the city.

Of course, I had no money or way to access any funds, so I would have to fend for myself by foraging for fruits and vegetation in the wilderness since my wolf form was too weak to hunt properly.

After nearly an hour of walking, I reached the borders where the city gave way to thick treelines and forest. I paused to catch my breath, gazing apprehensively into the looming woods.

This was it - my path led straight into the unknown depths. Steeling my nerves, I started the journey by venturing between the first few trees.

And so I walked for days, aimlessly putting as much distance between myself and my former life as possible. I had no destination in mind, only the driving needed to disappear from anywhere I was known or could be tracked down.


On nights, I slept precariously perched in sturdy tree branches, silently weeping most evenings as memories of my father overwhelmed me.

"It will be alright soon, Kaira," I assured my wolf through the tears. "We just have to keep moving forward, no matter how arduous this feels."

But as the endless forest seemed to stretch on infinitely with no hints of civilization, I began feeling pangs of fear creep in.

What if I was lost out here forever, slowly withering away from exposure and starvation? Or falling prey to any number of wild, deadly beasts that surely prowled these territories?

"I can't turn back now," I reminded myself firmly, squashing such doubts. "Forward is the only choice remaining if I wish to survive."

Whenever I passed a bush or tree bearing edible fruits, berries or vegetation, I plucked and stashed portions away in a makeshift pouch formed from my sweater. While the meager provisions were hardly satisfying, at least they provided some nourishment.

How I wished I could tap into my predatory instincts and hunt fresh game! But in my half-human form without Kaira's full strength, I was hardly a threat to even the smallest woodland creatures.

On the fourth day of hiking, I finally stumbled upon a river cutting through the landscape. Relief washed over me at the sight of the pristine waters.

"There, Kaira - just what we needed! A source for bathing and drinking, and hopefully even catching some fish for proper protein," I sighed gratefully.

Without hesitation, I quickly stripped off my soiled clothing and waded into the refreshing stream to bathe properly for the first time in days.

Once finished, I wrung out my garments and spread them over a flat rock to dry in the warm sunlight. Clad in just my undergarments, I then turned my attention to the river's depths, peering intently for any glimpses of fish idling near the surface.

"Come on, let's get us a decent meal for once!" I muttered under my breath, cautiously creeping closer.

When a silvery shape flashed by, I struck out with both hands cupped like a net - but the slippery creature easily evaded me.

"Ugh, are you all this evasive?" I groaned, thrashing my hands in frustration.

After several more fruitless attempts punctuated by mild curses, I finally managed to snag a couple decently-sized fish and set them aside to asphyxiate for cleaning.

Next I scoured the area for dry kindling and branches to start a cooking fire. However, my attempts to spark a flame using rocks proved...inept, to put it mildly.

"Oh shit, why won't these damn things work?" I growled in aggravation, rapidly losing my patience.

Amidst my growing tantrum over the uncooperative flint, a sudden rustling in the underbrush behind me made me freeze.

Something alive was there, close by and watching. Dread coiled in my gut as visions of hungry predators or hostile wolves filled my mind.

"Who's there?" I shouted, whipping my head around while shielding my scantily-clad body. "Show yourself!"

The only response was another faint rustling, followed by a glimpse of a small figure ducking back into the bushes about ten yards away..

My hackles instantly lowered as I registered it as likely just a harmless young girl, perhaps from a nomadic camp or village nearby.

"It's alright, come on out!" I called in a gentler tone, beckoning with both hands. "I won't hurt you, I promise."

When she didn't reappear, I sighed and decided to try approaching her instead. Scooping up and wearing my clothes, I slowly walked towards where I'd spotted the little form cowering.

"Are you camping nearby? Where is your family?" I asked in a soft, friendly voice as I neared the bushes.

As soon as I drew too close, the small figure shot up and attempted to dart away deeper into the trees. Gasping, I picked up my stride and dashed after her - but quickly slowed, not wanting to seem threatening.

"Wait, please!" I panted, holding up both palms placatingly. "I'm not going to harm you. But I could really use your help, if you'll allow me to meet your family?"

To my relief, the disheveled young girl hesitated and eyed me up and down, clearly gauging if I spoke truthfully. After a lengthy pause, she finally gave a timid nod and turned to continue leading the way through the foliage.

"I guess that means she'll take me to them," I murmured under my breath to Kaira before following at a respectful distance.

My main hope was that her people would be willing to provide me with matches to light my fire, so I could eat a decent meal, even if just this once, before continuing on my journey. And perhaps even help me with more supplies or knowledge for properly making fire from wood and cooking meals locally.

After relying on strangers' kindness for so long already, I could only pray this tribe in the woods would be no less hospitable, even to a nameless, penniless vagabond in need. For now, Kaira and I had little choice but to place our trust in this child's hands.