Ch.1: Before And Now

Ch.1: Before and Now

Ch.2

My father I remember only slightly. My mother had apparently been in love with a wolf from the forest and snuck away from her owners to be with him.

After a while she became bestowed with the responsibility of carrying me. When she gave birth she went back to her humans who then decided that I looked too much like a wolf, and then proceeded to rip me away from my mother to be taken to a wolf reserve park where we are fenced off and watched by human kind. It disgusts me.

I grew up different from the other wolves; my coat was more luscious, and I had a coat color similar to my mothers. We both have a coat color similar to the pattern and color of a Great White shark; well at least that's what a kid said when they were watching me. They also said that my eyes were quite uncommon, and that she had never seen the purple eye color before in a wolf, guess that makes me even more different, just great.

This place has taken away my puppy hood years, and I will not allow it to take away my adult years as well. I plan on escaping from this wretched place.

I've been watching humans, when they need to check on us they dart the one they need, that wolf then proceeds to fall into an unusual sleep that deeply disturbs me, but seems fine with the others since they just sit around. I've noticed that the humans seem to notice this and leave the doors open slightly when they do, that's my ticket out. I just have to get the timing correct and I can be in the while with a pack. Or I can be a lone wolf if the idiot of an alpha thinks I'm omega material.

_______

It's dawn now, and it's been nearly 6 months since our last checkup. Two humans arrive, one takes out the dart gun and shoot a wolf. He fell asleep instantly. The human starts to walk over to the sleeping wolf, the other stands a few feet in our enclosure, but slightly to the side of the open door, their biggest mistake was thinking that I was liking it here.

I burst through the bush I was hiding in, startling the person, he tries to close the door but I'm already through and running towards the forest, and far away from this hell. I can hear the humans getting in their monsters that they call vehicles, and yelling at each other, probably how I got out. I know that I will have to run really far if I want to escape their searching grounds, I need to push myself a lot harder than I usually do, but I have been practicing my endurance running in the enclosure so I should be fine for at least a couple of weeks.

_______

It's been weeks since I've escaped, and the humans have ceased their search parties. Well I don't know, I'm just assuming since I can't smell their wretched scent here. I do however catch the scent of a group of three females, and a male pup. They do however also carry the stale stench of humans as well.

'Who could they be? They might be like me where they also escaped their human captures, or they could be set free, but that is unlikely.'

As I near the scent I come to the tree line, and cautiously walk out and crouch slightly to look over the hill, to where I pinpointed the scent.

I looked to see exactly what I smelled, but now I see I missed the male packs scent. There are 4 males, but the largest seems to be the alpha. He takes a stance that is saying 'friend or foe' towards the group of females. I see the white wolf leap forward.

'They are definitely human mongrels, they don't even know how to respect an alpha'.

She is such an idiot, why did she do that? That action just challenged the alpha, it also disrespected him, but I can't let her get killed. Something about her seems lonely, and in need of a friend, not to mention that we both look different compared to the others. Her family does nothing as she gets attacked by the alpha; she reminds me of myself slightly.

I've had enough. I sprint over the hill startling both packs, except for the alpha and white wolf who are busy fighting. I put all my weight in my shoulder and ram straight into the alpha's ribs, sending him flying a few feet.

He'll probably take a while to get up from that. I learned that trick when an older wolf tried to take my food, but I wasn't having it.

I look down at the white wolf and help her up, however as soon as she is up I fail to hear the alpha charging at me. He grips onto my neck and throws me to the side; as I try to get up he uses his size to his advantage and throws all his weight on me as he bites down into my neck. I try to bite him but can't reach, and each time I try he tightens his grip; causing me to growl in anger and pain. I'm eventually tired due to my lack of food, and my continuous running to get away from the humans; resulting in my body eventually collapsing due to dehydration, starvation, as well as overall exhaustion.

I feel his weight lifting off me as he gets up; by now both the packs were waiting for the end result of the fight. The alpha won this one, but wait till I get my strength back, then we'll have a rematch.

Ch.2

David Bowie: Don't Go

Imagine David Bowie falls in love with you the moment he meets you, but you're taken away; only for him to find you again after many years have passed: Warnings: Alludes to suicidal thoughts/ideation, abuse, abuse of power, feelings of worthlessness, injury, angst, apathy

1975

It was always loud around me, everyone shouting and screaming in my direction. Adoration emanated in their voices as they called my name, but all it made me feel was anxious and overwhelmed. I'm always running from them, these people that claim to love me... they lie when they say that, how can they love someone they do not know?

These manic strangers scared me, I never wanted to walk down the streets alone, but there were moments I would risk it simply for a second just to myself. I once thought of leaving this world, setting my soul free, abandoning this shell I am forced into. I was so close to going through with it, but then I met someone who forced a change in my perception.

We were young during our first meeting, I was several years into my stardom, usually caged up in my Los Angeles apartment. I hate Los Angeles, in fact, I hate California as a whole; the only reason I was even there was because my manager had forced me into this movie deal.

I wasn't unhappy with the movie, I had read the novel it was based on, and the script embraced a lot of the original elements. I couldn't survive there for long though, my mind was always leaving me, traveling elsewhere, to places with happy memories. The few moments of awareness during my day left me with an unending headache, it made me nauseous knowing that I was still alive. I felt like I was betraying God with these thoughts, that I was dishonoring him in some way with my destructive hatred for myself and my surroundings.

___

The first day on set was numbing, my manager had escorted me there, his firm glare setting me on edge; I know the only reason he was with me was to ensure that I didn't go against him. A deal with the Devil, he observed my every move, I felt like he was screening my thoughts before allowing me to speak.

I wanted to scream, to reach out to the people around me for help; but I didn't. I simply kept my eyes down, only speaking when the director or cast members addressed me directly.

The day was nearing its end, I had been encapsulated with this crowd and wanted a moment of quietness, I knew when I was back in that apartment that I would be yelled at. He would be angry that I seemed so disinterested in everything, furious that I had the audacity to try and come here without him.

I nervously skittered away from the people, moving swiftly towards the door as my heart rate raced. I was so close, it would only offer me momentary relief, but that was better than nothing, better than this everlasting flame that was burning me from the inside out. I felt cauterized from the heat, forever stuck in this flesh prison until my untimely death. Yet, death offers me no salvation, in this world of sin we are doomed to return, to relive these traumas until we learn something from this negative world.

One foot was out the door when a hand seized my wrist; had it been my neck, I'm sure I would think I was being strangled. A chilling shiver scraped along my spine, it was that uncomfortable feeling of knowing I was caught. The air in my lungs felt suffocating, the heat of my body sweltering as I glanced at the hand.

"Where do you think you're going?" I look sternly at my manager, surveying his aura and body language. I can tell that he is nearing the end of his rope, the 'patience' he has is running thin. I remember the first time I hired him, I thought he was respectable, he looked like a business man with his hair combed back with his immaculate suit, speaking to me with high revere.

Not many things have changed about him, he still speaks well of me - now only to possible clients or partners; his way of dressing has only gotten finer with the money I bring in, but the young man I hired was long gone. He's been my manager since I was 12 and he was 36, I'm now 19, him being 43. The full head of black hair is slightly graying at the sides, his athletic physique gave way to slight obesity - but the strange type of weight gain where he is top-heavy in the chest, if that makes sense.

He used to make me feel comfortable, he wouldn't yell or scream at me, but that was back when my parents were always around, as soon as I turned 18 they upped and left. They still sent me requests for money every now and then, well aware I would oblige. I know they likely think I wanted them to leave, but what I wouldn't give for them to come and stick their noses in my business.

"...I'm going to the bathroom?" My voice feels like it's grating against my throat, as though I haven't had a thing to drink all day; however, I know he wouldn't let me go a day without 8 glasses of water. That may sound like he actually cares for me, but he knows that my albums are the reason behind a lot of my wealth, and he refuses to let anything damage my voice.

The eye contact we hold burns me, I don't know what else to do but hope he believes me. I sigh in relief as he releases his hold, sending a curt 'get going' to me before turning away. I haven't felt happy in a long while, and though I know what I'm feeling isn't happiness, it still reminds me of it. I want to rush forward, but force a steady walk, going straight past the bathroom and outside.

The sun is obnoxiously bright, I want to go back inside, but I know he will be waiting for me. I shuffle over to the back of the building, a lonely bench awaiting, luckily sheltered away from the sweltering sun. My back aches as I collapse onto it, head falling back against the wall as I quietly groan in dissatisfaction. The traffic is loud, I can hear airplanes in the distance, and the footsteps of people along the sidewalk.

God, I wish I was somewhere else, I wish I was back home in Montana, or maybe at my seldom used cabin in Idaho. I want to not see another human being for miles, I want trees and wildlife to surround me as I write and draw, but I know that won't happen anytime soon.

The thoughts overrunning my mind lower my awareness of my surroundings, so much so that I only become aware again when someone sits next to me. The alarming aura of a person so near, this is the closest a stranger has been to me without my manager in sight; I can't remember how long ago it has been since I talked to someone without him watching me.

I observe them from the corner of my eye, he's taller than me, dressed in a casual black suit with a hat, his orange-blonde hair coaxing my attention. I know who he is, we were briskly introduced during the meeting, but he was surrounded by an entourage that kept people away from him.

He glances to me, our eyes meeting for an instant before I turn away from him. I'm not sure how to talk to him, it's been so long since I was able to speak freely that I fear I don't know how to anymore.

"So, what are you doing out here?" His accented tone rings out sharply, dancing through the noisy ambience, my head subconsciously tilting as I listen to him. Turning my face to him, I'm met by his piercing eyes paired with his angular face; I almost want to huff at how exact and fine his features are.

"I could ask you the same." I state, holding a steady gaze, watching as his eye flicker over me before returning ahead.

"I saw you leaving, and I wanted to know where you were going." He responds, voice smooth as he brushes his hair back neatly.

"So you followed me?" The sentence flows from my mouth so quickly, realizing what I've said makes me feel bilious. I gulp, looking over to him as I await a yell or a glare; surprised when he lets out an amused laugh.

"Don't make it weird." He giggles, looking down to his hands. He looks up to speak again, but a concerned look washes over his features.

"Are you alright? I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable." The sentence strings along, his body shifting towards me as all his attention is focused on me. I'm confused at first, wondering why he was reacting like this before realizing I must look tense and pale.

"No, no, it's alright. It's not you." I quickly respond, resting a hand gently over his own to calm him down. I once again speak without thinking, not realizing I told him indirectly that I am in fact uncomfortable.

"So that's why you're out here." David states, his hands gently holding my own as his concerned expression magnifies. I pull my hands away in fear of the repercussions for this conversation.

"I don't know what you're talking about." I scowl, glaring at the wall opposite us. I hurriedly stand up, worried about staying out too long, I don't want my manager getting suspicious.

I squint my eyes against the weather, the sun burns as the heat overwhelms my sense. I want to cry, but I know that I can't allow myself to. David stands as well, and I'm about to walk away before feeling something being placed atop my head. Glancing over to David, I notice his hat missing, my sight no longer being hindered by the sunlight. I gaze at him in suspicion, what does he want?

"What?" Is all he says, a smirk playing on his features as he leads me back around the building to the front door. I try to give him his fedora back, but he simply pushed it back to me, telling me to keep it. I thank him, a smile trying to appear on my face as I look up to him; he grins to me before walking away, leaving me alone.

___

My manager was pissed, he knew I lied about going to bathroom, and was even angrier when he saw I had David Bowie's fedora clutched in my small hands. He snatches it from my hands, I open my mouth to argue, but the look on his face tells me it'll be much worse if I speak.

I follow him through the crowd, weaving carefully so that I don't touch people. We reach the group surrounding David, my manager saying we have something of his. As he walks towards us, my manager shoves the fedora into my hands before shoving me forward. I can tell David is confused by the situation, I hope he didn't see my manager push me.

"What is it (Y/N)?" This is the first time he's used my name, I don't know why it stunned me, maybe because no one cares enough to know my real name, instead calling me by my pseudonym. I nervously glance away and look back at my manager, I can tell he wants to yell at me, but he knows he has to wait.

"I-I'm returning your fedora, you must've dropped it..." I reply, hoping he goes along with it.

"What?" His bewildered response matches his expression, I don't know how to get him to go along other than to rephrase myself.

"I was coming back from the bathroom and saw it on the floor, you must've dropped it." I explain, looking him firmly in the eyes as I hold out the hat. His eyes now hold understanding as he glances behind me.

"Oh, thank you... Can I speak to you for a moment?" He responds, grabbing the hat and then my wrist to pull me forward. I yelp weakly, my wrist hurting from its past abuse. David glanced down at me in worry just as my manager moves forward and grabs my shoulder.

"We need to get going, you have another meeting in a half-hour." My manager interrupts, bundling me away before David could even blink. ___

My manager is fuming, I can tell by the slight jitter in is movements as he forces me out of the building and down the street. I know he wants nothing more than to yell at me, make me cry, but he will have to wait until we get some privacy before he can do as he pleases.

The car ride is anything but pleasant, he may have opened the door for me, but he shoved me in so fast that I knocked my head against the frame. The headache is splitting through my skull, the mixture of pain and internal agony is catching up with me.  My manager angrily slams his door and begins driving back to my apartment; he wastes no time laying into me.

"What the fuck was that!" He shouts angrily, fists clenching the steering wheel to the point I think he's fantasizing that it's my neck.

"What?" I try to play dumb, but I should've known better.

"Don't give me that bullshit! I know you didn't go to the bathroom, you snuck out so you could talk with that singer!" He states with a scowl, glaring at me before looking back to the road. I can see the sweat layered upon his brow, perhaps the sun is getting to him as well?

"I didn't!" My response is halted quickly, my manager reaching across the center console as he smacks me sharply. I want to say I'm surprised, but I'm not, though that does nothing to numb the stinging pain as tears burn my eyes.

"You wanna rethink that response." He grits, I can tell he's furious, and he'll do as he pleases no matter my answer. Involuntarily curling into myself, I make no move to respond, wrapping my arms tightly around my abdomen as I look out the window. My lack of response is only going to anger him further, but I can't seem to care anymore.

When we arrive at my apartment, he's tossing me in as soon as the doors unlocked. He pulls me back to him so harshly I can hear the fabric of my sweater tearing as he scrunches it in his fists. I subconsciously put my hands up, trying to get away from him.

He heeds my movements, shoving me away just as harshly as he had pulled me in. The action is so sudden that I'm thrown off balance, taking  a moment to recollect myself before turning back to him.

I go to say something, but have no time to contemplate my words as something is hurled at me. I try my best to dodge it, but my actions are in vain as the object meets my eye.

The left side of my face radiates in pain as I fall backwards into the wall, my hands flying up to my injury as I try not to cry. I look down at the object and see my favorite book was what had been thrown, Jane Eyre... my manager can't seem to get enough of ruining things I love.

I'm so caught up in my thoughts that I only notice my manager approaching when he already has his thick hand wrapped around my throat, thus pinning me to the wall I've taken solace in. He grabs my wrists with his free hand and forces them up and away from my face. 

I try to observe him as he analyzes my face, his once kind eyes seem so empty, when did that happen? His hair is thinner, and though he's out of shape, he still overpowers me with ease; who is this man before me? I want to look at him more, but the agony of my injury overpowers my wants, eyes stinging as the tears cloud my vision before streaming down along my cheeks.

"You'll need to cover that for tomorrow, I'll bring you a bandage."

Just like that, his hold is gone and he exits the apartment. I'm alone in this apartment, silence settling back into it as the furious tornado that is my manager has left the vicinity. If someone came in, they would think me strange curled up in the corner with tears in my eyes; no one ever sees who causes them, but they always have an opinion.

___

He did as he said, bringing me a roll of Coban with some gauze so I could pad my eye against the adhesive bandage. I hadn't look at my eye throughout the night, not wanting to see the damage, but knowing it must look bad as my eye had swollen shut. 

I wanted to assume the mirror was lying to me like everyone else does, but I know it wasn't.

The bruising was light as it hasn't been more than a day, the contusion will darken later on as it fully forms; the swelling wasn't as bad as I assumed, my eyelids were definitely swollen, but I could peel them open slightly to view the sclera flooded in red due to burst blood vessels. Brushing those thoughts away, my manager shoves open the bathroom door and grabs the bandages from my grasp, grumbling about me taking to long as he wraps my injuries.

The car ride there is a stark contrast compared to yesterday, the silence was almost more eerie than when he yells, but I try not to think to hard on it.

Anxiety bubbles up in my throat as he parks the car and exits, what will they say? This is opening the door to unwanted questions, what if they find out my manager abuses me? What if they take his side?? I don't get too much time to think as my door is opened by my manager as he signals for me to get out. I do as told, hesitantly walking into the building after he enters.

The building is thankfully not nearly as crowded as yesterday, today only requires the actors/actresses, costume designers, and music producers to be present. 

I stand there silently as I wait for the group to be called to focus, but I'm disrupted from daydreaming as I feel someone tap my shoulder. I turn around, coming face to face with the director, Nicolas Roeg.

"Hey Y/N, you're manager called yesterday and explained that you got injured while playing with your cousins. I know how head injuries can be, so let me know if you start getting headaches, or if the noise or environment gets too overwhelming. Alright?" This man, he was so nice over the phone when asking if I wanted to be a part of this project, how could I forget him, especially after how kind he's being now?

I grace him with a thankful smile, nodding my head. He smiles back, giving my shoulder a pat in reassurance before turning away and walking to converse with someone else. I am about to go back to dissociating when another tap is felt, I want to sigh, but halt my actions when I meet eyes - well, eye - with David Bowie.

I can tell he had his words prepared before walking over, but I feel like they abandoned him as soon as I turned around. I can only assume it has something to do with my lovely injury, I know for a fact that I alone cannot leave a man speechless.

"Darling, what happened?" He's concerned, that much was audible, but I know I need to make that dissipate if I don't want my manager to have a repeat of last night.

"Oh this... it's er, nothing, happened while I was rough housing with my cousins." My lie was almost seamless, but the hesitation in my words at the beginning was noticed by him, the squint in his eyes at my words gave that much away.

"I'm fine, honestly David, no need to worry about me." I voice, trying harder to get him to put this on the back burner. He's conflicted, eyes glinting with so many different emotions I can't seem to keep up. Luckily though, he bows his head slightly and nods at my words. I can tell he's still uncertain, but at least he's stopped talking about it. 

I didn't try to avoid him the rest of the day per say, but we were working on two very different parts of the film; he was the lead Actor, and I was working on the film scores as well as dabbling in the costume design. We weren't around each other very often, and if we were, they were but fleeting moments.

He had me cornered during our lunch break actually, but my manager put a quick stop to that, dragging me away to talk with some fans outside; at this point, I think he's doing everything in his power to keep David and myself separate.

The hours go by, Roeg and my manager keeping me plenty busy. I would say that I barely noticed my injury all day apart from the constant headaches and dull ache that seemed to keep building up the longer the day went on.

I know Roeg said to tell him when it was getting bad, but let's be honest, my manager would have my other eye if I said anything. 

As the day is coming to an end, people begin leaving, my manager says we can go after he uses the restroom. He fixes me with a hard look before going in, basically telling me,'do something stupid, and we'll have a rerun of last night.' His eyes looked so dark I felt a nervous chill run down my back as I took a step back.

"Y/N!" I hear a voice call, turning around to be met with that same fedora as yesterday.

"David..." I greet uneasily, glancing back to the restroom in fear my manager will walk out at anytime. David seems to catch on and speeds past the pleasantries.

"Listen, I'm going to the preview tonight if you'd like to join me, I can pick you up tonight if that's alright with you?" His offer is said with such a hopeful voice and sweet look that I almost agree right then and there, but then reality stabs me in the back.

"Y/N." That voice nearly startle me out of my skin with how hard I jumped. My shoulders turn stiff as I look back and watch as my manager stalks closer, gripping my shoulder before steering me to the door.I turn my head quickly, making eye contact with David and his crestfallen face, giving a smile with a slight head nod to confirm his plans. I watch for a second as joy encapsulates his face before I'm forced out the door into the obnoxious environment of Los Angeles.

My manager leaves early, stating he has a meeting to get to before the day ends, leaving me alone in my apartment. He usually stays gone until the morning, that of which I'm thankful for, or else I would never be able to have David pick me up. 

He arrives when it's already dark, around 7 pm when the last streaks of sunlight are dissipating. His driver goes to get out, but David beats him to it, walking over and opening the door for me before getting back in on his side. We both sit in the back and his chauffeur takes us to the movie theatre. It was a quiet ride, I think he could notice how jittery and uneasy I was; he held my hand and offered a comforting smile, reassuring me until we felt the car halt.

We sat in the back, hoping no one would notice our presence. The movie was good, it held my attention the whole time - well, at least until David nudged me, motioning with his head for us to leave. I do as told, standing and following him as he led me down the hallways and back into the main room.

"Whats wrong?" I ask, unsure why we left half-way through the film.

"Nothing, I just want to spend some time alone with you." He states, before grasping my hand, leading me outside and down the quiet sidewalks. Los Angeles at night is better at night I would say, a little more quiet with much better weather.

There is a hint of a breeze though, sending light shivers down my back whenever a gust came my way. My clothes aren't really the best for this weather, a knee length dress with only a feathery shawl to protect my shoulders.

"Oh, I'm sorry darling, I should've told you to bring a jacket." He voices guiltily, detaching our hands before shrugging off his suit jacket. He stops me from walking, grabbing my shoulders and turning me to face him as he wraps the large jacket around my thin frame.

It swallows me up, a blush tinting my cheeks in embarrassment, I must look ridiculous to this man. David notices the blush, a wide grin spreading over his face at how adorable the site before him is.

"I must look ridiculous..." I say, looking down self-consciously. David simply huffs and removes his hat and placing it delicately atop my head, it's much too large, sliding down over my eyes and blocking my sight. He laughs gently, angling the hat so that I can see again, his toothy grin being the first sight I'm met with.

"You look adorable." Is all he says, wrapping his arm comfortingly over my shoulders before continuing to walk us down the street. I can confidently state that my blush has not faded throughput the entire exchange.

We both remain silent, simply enjoying the presence of the other as we saunter down the pavement. We pass many quiet cafes still open, him stepping to the left and halting as he opens the door to a warm cafe. I cautiously enter, removing the hat and surveying the interior closely.

A young woman sits sleepily at the register, the only other people being a middle-aged couple at a table against the wall. The lights have a warm hue to them, complementing the earthy tones of the walls and tables.

Glancing back at David, he offers a soft smile, resting his hand on my lower back before leading me to the register. The woman quickly writes down my order, not looking up until both myself and David have ordered.

I hold my breath when I notice that familiar glint in her eye, backing up subconsciously in fear she will shout our names and alert someone to our presence. If the paparazzo found out I'm here, and accompanied by David Bowie no less! The scandal would be horrific.

David holds me steadily in comfort as he smiles at the woman, he holds a finger against his lips to stop her, I glance at her in worry that she still might scream. She looks overwhelmed in excitement, but breathes deeply to calm herself down when she notices my reaction.

"Sorry! I just love both of you so much!" She whispers happily, still in shock of meeting two of her favorite artists. I feel the tension in my shoulders lessen as she only whispers in excitement.

"Thank you, it's nice to meet you to." David says politely, nodding to her before leading me away and to a table cozied up in a corner.

Our night was wonderful, David and I talked the night away, enjoying multiple drinks the longer we stayed up. I've never felt so at ease with another person, and we could converse for an extended amount of time without awkward silences or uncomfortable glances; how could someone so wonderful seek me out for company? Is this a blessing from God, or is Satan about to take him away from me.

___

After that night, I've looked forward to seeing him everyday, a smile gracing both of our features whenever our eye(s) meet, but we are both swept away. My manager found out about my late night escapade rather easily seeing as I didn't return to my apartment and was instead brought to work by David(no nothing happened, I fell asleep during the car ride back, and David decided it would be easier to just take me to his home instead of go up into an apartment building while trying to find my keys).

My manager was thoroughly pissed, but his physical punishments still didn't deter me from seeing David, but he always did know how to ruin a good thing. The movie was over, it had already been in theatres and what we were attending wasn't required work anymore; my manager took full advantage of that, signing me up with another director to work with them on film scores.

This new job took me across the country into New York, the director was very well known, Martin Scorsese, and the film was Taxi... Taxi Driver I think. It sounded interesting I guess, maybe a little on point for it being called Taxi Driver and set in New York. 

I didn't even get to say goodbye to David, my manager had dropped the news on me the night before I was to fly to New York. I didn't have anyway to contact David, but I'm not even sure if he would want to stay in contact... Either way, I'm leaving tomorrow whether I like it or not.

_______

1982

It's been a little while since I've agreed to do another film score since Taxi Driver, that film was surprisingly fun compared to my last experience, but maybe that's because my manager wasn't there with me most of the time.

None of that matters anymore though, after the success of taxi driver I fired that abusive prick, and I honestly couldn't be happier. I focused solely on my albums and dropped 7 of them throughout the past few years. I took a break from movies, I was too young for them and the change of environment when I was 19, but now I'm 26 and feel ready to face the world.

I don't actually know a lot about this film, other than the title and one of the actors/film scorers. I believe the film is called Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence? The actor/musician I'm talking about is Ryuichi Sakamoto, and he's honestly the main reason I took this job; my albums blew up and have been making me a fortune, so this is really just for fun and the experience.

I'm walking down the road, suitcase in hand, trying to figure out how the hell to walk in sand. I'm about halfway to the hotel when I hear someone approaching from my side. I don't turn to them, hoping they'll keep moving and we won't have to awkwardly introduce ourselves.

"...(Y/N)? Is that really you!" What? I.. I know that voice. I turn to them, eyes wide as I watch a face from the past stride over to me, face plastered with a wide grin.

"David?" At the sound of my voice, his strides turned into bounds pretty much, I could see he was truly ecstatic at seeing me, and it would be a lie to say I don't feel the same.

I start walking towards him, dropping my suitcase as we embrace. How could I not? This man, this wonderful man that changed me for the better, made me see that my life was worth more. You beautiful man, I'll never disappear again, I promise.

Ch.3: The Hunter and the Hunted

Ch.2 Ch.4

I woke up in the early morning to see Hinto and Huata leaving. I follow them, and leave quietly so as to not walk up Trot. We go sprinting through the forest, searching for smells of any prey; Huata locates an open field full with bison.

"Nice find Huata." I voice as I step between them, causing them both to jump in surprise at my sudden appearance.

"Where did you come from?" Hinto and Huata question in unison. I merely shake my head with a teasing smile.

"I'll never tell." I reply before looking back to the bison.

"We need the pack, no way we three can take down an adult. Hinto, you wait here; Huata and I will get the pack. Me being the best hunter in the pack will probably make them more cooperative." I explain as I turn around before sprinting into the forest back to the pack with Huata.

All of the sudden Huata stops, I turn around to see her mutter a name, but right after a mountain lion attacks her. It has her by the neck, but she's doing nothing, simply saying that she means no harm to the mountain lion cub. I'm about to attack when a huge lioness comes out of nowhere and pins the mountain lion down against the floor. I simply stood there in confusion at what was happening in front of me.

Huata stands up and says,

"Let her go Sespria." The lioness allowed the mountain lion to go, it then proceeded to grab her offspring and sprint away.

She then proceeds to talk with Huata, but surprisingly I can understand everything they're saying. They greet each other like old friends. Huata ends the conversation quickly, and then we both start sprinting back towards the pack.

By now everyone is up, and awaiting to see what we have to say. Anemy looks overjoyed about finding food, while Trots looks relieved to see me; everyone sprints behind us as we lead them to the bison herd. However when we arrive the herd is stampeding, Huata and I go after one as we are at the front. Anemy goes to bite Huata, but she simply hops up onto the bison next to her; while Anemy is tackled by Kilo who looks beyond pissed that she would start a fight right now.

I however have fallen back to see what's happened to Ash, she seems injured and is sitting down. Trot is next to me as we ask what's wrong. As I help Trot get Ash up we look back to see how the hunting is going.

"Huata watch out there's a human den, and you're heading right for it." I yell as Ash and Trot yell human. Huata sees it, and jumps off the bison mere seconds before it collides and is killed by the impact of hitting the building.

Huata for some reason looks sad that the bison was killed, but I brushed past the thoughts and helped Ash over to the bison. I grab a huge chunk out of its thigh and walk away to eat it in peace. I see Hinto laying down as he isn't allowed to eat because of Dasker, but Huata shares her portion with him. They start to walk into the human den, but I dare not follow in fear of my past; yet I'm interested in what they're going to do.

Trot walks over to me and lays next to me with a piece of meat from the bison. I seem to eat more than the average wolf seeing as my piece was at least three times bigger than what he was eating. He looked at my food ration in surprise as he stretched slightly.

"I was worried about you." He voices slowly and quietly as he starts to nibble on his food. I look at him in slight surprise and confusion.

"Why would you be worried about me?" I question as I look at him. He looks up and meets my gaze. He seems confused and conflicted with himself. I tilt my head sideways, waiting for an answer.

"I've never had a friend like you." Is all he says quietly as he continues eating, I take it that the conversation is over, so I start eating my food too. Dasker starts a pack howl, everyone howls, but mine is deep, similar to Dasker's but slightly higher in pitch. Trot looks at me in surprise after he howls. I simply shrug it off, I'm not even a full wolf, but it takes a very trained eye to notice I'm collie and wolf.

I then see Huata and Hinto howling from the top of the human den, Dasker seems to be in awe as he stares at Huata; I hope he doesn't plan on choosing her as his mate, she would not enjoy that scenario.

I get up and follow the pack back to our camp, which is pretty much just a clearing inside a circle of bushes and trees. I look at Trot and see him and Hinto talking about how fun it will be to have pups, and look over to see Huata talking to her mother about what mating season is. I feel odd, I've never had a mate before, and if Dasker chose me what would I do; you can't deny the alpha.

After all he would choose you out of all the other females, but I don't want to be his mate; besides I have another male who I would much rather prefer.

I look to see Anemy flirting with Dasker, I guess I know who he'll choose, after all at least I won't have to worry about having to be his mate now. I see Kilo tell Dasker he's going after the coyotes along our territory, I see Dasker send Trot to follow him; worry starts to course through my body as I think that Trot might get injured. I look at Dasker, he's too busy with Anemy to notice me slip after Trot and Kilo, I quickly catch up quickly enough to see Kilo and Trot arguing

Kilo growls and tackles Trot to the ground, I leap out and growl at Kilo, snarling and snapping my teeth together as a warning for him to back off. Kilo threatens Trot to stay out of his way; I launch myself at Kilo, grabbing him by the neck. and throwing him off Trot. As I help Trot to his feet he snarls,

"You're going to have a lot of explaining to do when Dasker finds out what you've been doing behind his back."

I turn around to see Kilo staring at a dead coyote. All of the sudden he's thrown into a fight with a lioness similar to the one Huata was talking to.

They fight, and when Kilo thinks he's won, he turns his back, and that was his mistake; the lioness jumps forward and snaps Kilos back with a sickening crack being heard. I can hear Kilo saying how this is bad, I leap forward and shove my sharp shoulder into the lioness, knocking her off of Kilo; however before I can help him I'm knocked away, and see the lioness running away, before darkness consumes my vision.

I wake up to see I'm hidden in bushes, I see Trot trying to push Kilo, he sends a distress call to call the rest of the pack; hopefully they'll come soon. I jump up and try to help, but Kilo just isn't moving, he keeps telling us to leave before the lioness comes back, and to be honest I want to listen but I can't leave Trot behind so I continue to push.

Out of nowhere the lioness tackles me to the ground and raps her jaws around my neck, I struggle, but can't loosen her grasp, Trot leaps at her and rips her off me where they then engage in fighting.

When Trot tries to get back to Kilo he turns around to see claws, I howl in fury after he is left with scratches racked across his face, I go berserk and tear my teeth through her paw, I can feel my jaw strength crush straight through her bones, and tear through her muscles and tendons. She let out a monstrous roar of immense pain, and raced out of there before I could inflict any more pain.

I walk over to Trot to see he is blinded, yet still trying to help Kilo; I help him lift Kilo onto our backs as we stagger towards the pack. He starts running and I don't have time to warn him of the root, he trips causing me to fall as well, and dragging Kilo in front of us during the process.

Trot gets up and tries to get Kilo up but ends up falling into the process.

"Give it up, Trot, we're going nowhere right now." I bark, my voice pain filled and coarse as I lay on the ground, my throats throbbing and are bleeding a lot now. Trot simply lays on top of Kilo in failure as he is now completely exhausted. I can feel myself slipping into a state of unconsciousness as I bleed out through the bites to my throat.

Ch.2 Ch.4

Meningsløs Virkelighed(Danish)

Det var tidligt en torsdag morgen, da hun modtog den frygtelige nyhed, at hendes mand var død.

Hun havde undret sig over, hvorfor han ikke vendte hjem i går aftes, endda venter ved telefonen, til sidst ringer til ham, men modtager aldrig et svar.

Hun havde lige gået sine børn, Lisette og Alonso, ned deres lange indkørsel til skolebussen venter, blidt vinke farvel, da det støjende kørte væk, endelig lade hende smil og hånd falde, da bussen gik ud af syne. Når hun vendte tilbage for at gå hjem, indså hun, at fuglene var særlig stille, unormalt så, det gjorde stilheden ubehagelig, da hun blev fanget med sine uophørlige tanker; ikke engang brisen, der raslede de faldne blade, var så højt som sædvanligt. Hun glattede hendes sort flettet hår til side, før tugging uroligt på ærmer i hendes blå-grå sweater, tæt indpakning hendes arme rundt om hendes krop, så hun begyndte at gå hjem, lytter nøje til stykket under hendes sko, hendes sind stadig vandrede i forvirring med hensyn til, hvor hendes mand, Ryker, var. Et par skridt væk fra hendes veranda bremsede hun sin gang, da hun hørte lyden af en bil, hendes skridt vaklede lidt, da hun vendte sig om, afslører det fremtrædende sort / hvide mønster af en Belmont, Ohio politibil kører mod hende. Blændingen mod forruden fra den grå himmel gjorde det umuligt at se, hvem der kørte, hvilket efterlod hende usikker på, om hun skulle føle sig overlykkelig eller forvirret over det overraskende udseende.

Jo tættere det kørte jo hurtigere hendes hjerte slog, tager i lavvandede vejrtrækninger, da hun så bilen trække til et stop et par meter væk. Hendes hænder vrider ubevidst hinanden, mens hun ventede på, at bildøren skulle svinge åben, pludselig føler sig ubehageligt varmt, selvom det var temmelig køligt. Hun kendte de farer, hendes mand var i på grund af hans arbejde, og vidste, at han kunne blive såret eller dræbt på nogen call-out; men intet ville forberede hende til den fortvivlede blik på officerer ansigt, da han trådte ud af bilen.

Ryker var på vagt med sin partner for et indbrud i en bolig zone, den kriminelle var gået ud igen og afrundet huset for at komme bag på dem, da de gik til at komme ind gennem busted døren, skydning begge flere gange i ryggen, før du kører. Politiet søgte i øjeblikket efter ham, men har kun to vidner, en der skimtede ham, da han begyndte at buste åbne deres dør, og en nabo, der så, hvad der skete og kaldte politiet.

Da officeren forklarede, hvad der skete, gik hendes sind tomt, den allerede dæmpede støj fra skoven forsvandt fuldstændigt, og den ubehagelige varme forsvandt pludselig og efterlod hendes krop i stedet for at føle sig tom. Hun hurtigt fandt sig tvunget tilbage til virkeligheden, når den officer, der var nået ud til at røre ved hendes skulder, det var ikke uhøflig eller uvelkomne, da denne officer var rigtig gode venner med sig selv og Ryker, men den pludselige og uventede kontakt chokeret hende nok til at rykke hendes skulder væk og tage et skridt tilbage. Han trak straks sin arm, hans blik kastet ned mod gulvet, mens hun gik op en beklagelig udseende, da hun indså hendes handlinger.

Hun sagde endelig: "Jeg er ked af Carter, jeg føler mig bare lidt overvældet i øjeblikket ."Hendes stemme frygtsomt stille, en let stamme, når hun prøver at forstå og kontrollere alle de følelser, der pludselig løber gennem hende. Et blik på forståelse vasker over hans ansigt, før han nikker med hovedet højtideligt og vender tilbage til sin bil, "farvel Saden."Carter talte og tilbød et kort, trist smil, før han trådte ind i sin bil og kørte væk.

Der var mange tanker farende gennem Sadens hoved, alle nyhederne ikke rammer hende fuldt endnu. Med hendes sind racing hun langsomt gjort sin vej ind i hendes hytte hjem, låse døren, før hviler panden hårdt mod bejdset træ, give sig selv et øjebliks fred, før skubbe ud, og på vej til telefonen for at foretage et par opkald.

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Huset er mørkt, afgiver en foruroligende og ubehagelig aura; solen er ikke steget endnu og ingen lys i nærheden, men her er en dreng med sin skoleuniform og rygsæk på stille at lukke hoveddøren. Han begynder at gå væk fra sit hus hurtigt, den ængstelige atmosfære, der omgiver ham, spredes langsomt, jo længere han fik, hans spændte skuldre og on-edge ser mindre ud til simpelthen let paranoia.

Han har et ar over hans øje, dens noget rød farve gør det indlysende mod hans bleg hud. Han fik dette ar samtidig med at han mistede sin mor og halvsøster, bilulykken var brutal, kun ham og en af de andre bilpassagerer havde overlevet.

Han skygger øjnene væk fra de blændende forlygter, der passerer forbi så ofte som han går ned ad fortovet, hans paranoia forsvinder jo tættere han nærmer sig Binghams Dam. Han finder et sted væk fra vejen, sætter sin taske ned, da han observerer de slumrende svaner og ænder. Et lille smil pryder hans træk, som han husker, da han og hans mor, Liz, ville komme her tidligt i morges for at tale og se solopgang, før skolen; hans smil forsvinder så hurtigt, som det var kommet, da han indser, at han kun kan komme her alene nu. Han kunne altid bede sin stedfar Alec om at komme med ham, men han frygtede ethvert svar, som Alec gav, især nu hvor han var den eneste, der overlevede bilulykken.

I et forsøg på at ryste sine tanker væk fra fortiden kigger han tilbage til svanerne og beundrer deres skønhed mod det mørke vand. De første par solstråler begynder at gløde mod den svage himmel, en let brise, der får ham til at ryste, da han ikke har nogen ensartet jakke, da det koster ekstra penge. Når han sætter sig ned og læner sig mod et træ, vinder han ved smerten, der blusser op i ryggen, før han ryster den af og trækker sin taske mod ham, unbuckling det frysende metal og når ind, trækker en mappe, der indeholder uafsluttede lektier; mange af dem havde krøller og tårer, selvom han holdt dem pænt i en mappe. At frigive en træt og irriteret suk han begyndte at arbejde, startende med hans navn,'Skytten Carlisle', hans kolde hænder, der gør det sværere at skrive og et kig på forværring blinker gennem hans øjne, da han ved, at han ikke vil få alt dette hjemmearbejde gjort før skole, frygter at fylde ham ved tanken om at skulle fortælle Alec om den dårlige kvalitet, selvom hans ufærdige og revet lektier var Alec ' s skyld. Med et andet suk kom han tilbage på arbejde og forsøgte at afslutte så meget af det så hurtigt og så præcist som muligt.

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Det har været en uge siden jeg fik at vide om hans død, Jeg vidste allerede, at jeg ikke kunne bo i vores komfortable Ohio hjem, især da Ryker byggede det; bare at gå gennem døren forårsagede en kvalmende følelse at vaske over mig ved at vide, at jeg aldrig vil se ham igen.

Begravelsen var i går eftermiddag... Den sorte kjole, jeg havde på, er nu en bunke grå aske i ildstedet. Min datter Lisette gik med mig, det var en blæsende dag med et drys af regn, der støvede jorden udenfor; det ser ud til, at verden endda sørgede over tabet, men det er nok bare mig, der sætter mening i enkle ting. Min søn Alonso tog sin fars død meget hårdt, jeg ved, hvor tæt de var, og at se min søn græde gjorde en tåre gennem min facade af styrke, men jeg var nødt til hurtigt at tørre den væk, da jeg omfavnede min grædende søn. Hans råb varede i en time, Lisette begyndte også at græde, da hun så als rystende form blive trøstet af min. Den nat blev jeg hos dem i deres værelse og sad på tæppebelagt gulv mellem deres to senge, den ene hånd greb i hver af mine, da jeg fortalte dem historier for at sætte dem i søvn. Da jeg vidste, at de sov, jeg fortsatte med at holde deres hænder, lænede mit hoved tilbage mod trævæggen, da jeg stirrede op i loftet, lyset fra månen skaber skygger af trægrene mod den modsatte væg. Jeg sad simpelthen der og tænkte på de opkald, jeg foretog den dag, jeg modtog nyheden; i næste uge vil det, der er tilbage af min familie, være i vores hytte i Skotland, væk herfra, væk fra ham.

Jeg har stadig brug for at fortælle børnene, Jeg er ikke sikker på, hvordan man fortæller dem, at vi flytter væk, væk fra alt, hvad der minder os om deres far. Jeg kan kun håbe, at de ikke foragter mig for denne beslutning, men bare at bo i dette hjem får mit sind til at vandre i en retning, jeg ikke vil tillade mig at gå ind.

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Klokken ringer højt, når jeg skynder mig ind i lukkedøren i mit klasseværelse, kigger rundt i lokalet, jeg ser alle, der allerede sidder, og læreren ser mig spidst. Sænkning mit blik, Jeg rette ud mit hjemmearbejde og vende-i messily færdige sider til kurven før traipsing forbi min lærers skrivebord for at nå mit sæde, undgå hans og alle andres blik på alle tidspunkter.

Curraigh har den samme strenge stemme som Alec, og jeg kan ikke undgå at være ængstelig, når jeg træder fod ind i hans klasse; hans strenge regler og skræmmende statur hjælper mig ikke nøjagtigt, når jeg prøver at differentiere de to.

Mr. Curraigh kigger op fra sin computer til mig, jeg sluger nervøst og blander lidt i mit sæde, når jeg ser ned på det papir, jeg delikat placerede på mit skrivebord. Klassens stille snak var genoptaget for et øjeblik siden, men blev hurtigt standset igen, da Mr. Curraigh skubbede sin skæve figur ud af sit skrivebord og afslappet gik til forsiden af klassen.

"Mr. Carlisle, vil du forklare klassen, hvorfor du kom for sent? Igen."Hans nonchalant første sætning i høj grad kontrast hans barske udtale af 'igen'. Ubevidst sænker jeg hovedet, da klassen er tavs, andre klasser kan fnise, men de ved ikke at skrue rundt i denne klasse.

Jeg ryster på hovedet ' nej ' ikke fuldt ud tillid til min stemme til at svare uden stammen.

"Jeg kan ikke høre dig Archer. Vil du forklare klassen, hvorfor du kom for sent."Hans skarpe, accenterede stemme ringede ud mod stillheden og efterlod ikke plads til at undgå hans spørgsmål. Jeg ved, at han ser på mig, mens han venter på sit svar. Endelig ser jeg op på ham og svarer stille, da mit blik konstant flimrer mellem ham og loftet.

"Jeg sov over sir, jeg vil ikke lade det ske igen."Jeg forsøgte at præsentere et roligt ansigt for forhåbentlig at forhindre ham i at kalde mig ud igen, mit sind inde er blaring med tanker om, hvorvidt han vil acceptere undskyldningen eller ej. En anden passerer før han går tilbage til tavlen og begynder at skrive, alle hurtigt kopiere det ned i deres notesbøger, samtalen tilsyneladende glemt. En anelse af bekymring fortsatte med at nag i ryggen af mit hoved, at han vidste, at min undskyldning var en falsk, men jeg havde ikke tid til at give det nogen overvejelse, da jeg allerede faldt bagud på noterne, og min nylige håndledsskade vil heller ikke være til gavn for mig.

Klassen er endelig afsluttet, de fleste mennesker blev pakket og venter ved døren til klokken, kun få mennesker sad ved deres skriveborde. Jeg putte de tildelte lektier i deres mappe, placere min notesbog i min taske så godt. Jeg rækker ud efter mappen, når en anden hånd griber den først, en hånd, der ikke tilhører nogen studerende. Curraigh, der holdt min hjemmearbejdsmappe, han lænede sig mod skrivebordet, da han skummet gennem den nu åbne mappe.

"Y' kno., din organisation og pleje ikke tilføje op, når du tænder i rippede papirer ."Han siger, når han langsomt lukker mappen og holder den ud for mig at tage, hvilket jeg hurtigt følger med, stille og stille i min taske.

"Vil du fortælle mig den rigtige grund til, at du altid ser ud til at løbe for sent?"Mr. Curraigh spørgsmål, Hans normalt højt og hæk stemme nu mere stille og indeholder en antydning af bekymring. Det har været et par øjeblikke, og jeg har endnu ikke svaret, når han stemmer,

"Archer, hvis du har en reel grund til, hvorfor du er forsinket, forstår jeg, men jeg kan ikke acceptere disse falske undskyldninger mere. Det er 10. gang, du kommer for sent. Hvis du ikke kan give mig en rigtig grund, så er jeg nødt til at give dig tilbageholdelse."Hans stemme var aldrig meget streng eller hård gennem hele sætningen og havde mere en advarselstone til det, men alt hvad jeg kan mønstre som svar er at ryste mit hoved "nej", da jeg ser op for at møde hans blik. Mr. Curraigh ser simpelthen frem til et sekund, før han frigiver et irriteret suk og skubber ud af skrivebordet.

"Vær ikke forsinket til tilbageholdelse Mr. Carlisle."Er alt, hvad han siger, før han går tilbage til sit skrivebord, klokken ringer og eleverne skynder sig ud af døren, selv følger straks for ikke at være sent til min næste lektion. Mine tanker resten af dagen er overskyet med, hvordan Alec vil reagere, når jeg kommer sent hjem, hvordan han vil reagere, når jeg fortæller ham, at jeg fik tilbageholdelse igen. De frygt puljer i mit bryst, gør det føles stram og luften kvælende som jeg traske gennem dagen.

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Første dag i vores nye hjem var det et sommerhus, som mine forældre ejede, og jeg arvede. Langt væk fra Ohio, langt væk fra Ryker, hele vejen i Glasgow, Skotland, beliggende i et dejligt område med lolling grønne marker og en stenmur pænt omkring det.

Lisette og Alonso havde taget farten bedre end jeg havde forventet, det ser ud til, at de ville komme væk så meget som jeg gjorde. Jeg havde ringet foran for at sikre, at hytten var klar til, da vi ankom, og en ven af mine forældre kommer over for at se mine børn, da jeg skal gå på mit job så hurtigt som muligt. Farende ud af huset, Jeg giver hurtigt venen et knus, hurtigt med angivelse af den tid, jeg kommer hjem, før jeg kører over til mit lejede Volks .agen-køretøj. Mine tasker rem vride som jeg forsøger at placere alt i bilen, jeg hurtigt skubbe det ind i passagersædet før du justerer spejle og på vej ud til mit nye job.

De grå skyer, der strøer himlen, minder mig meget om hjemmet, men denne travle by er præcis, hvad jeg har brug for for at komme væk fra mit lille byliv. Kørsel på venstre side er dog ganske underligt, noget der vil tage nogle at vænne sig til.

Når jeg trækker ind på parkeringspladsen, bemærker jeg, at skolen nærmer sig slutningen af dagen, jeg håber, at jeg ikke bliver fyret, før jeg endda starter. Hurtigt snuble gennem kontordøren, jeg rette min kropsholdning og skjorte før du går til receptionen og angivelse jeg er den nye videnskab lærer. Kvinden smiler, før du ringer til nogen, jeg antager rektor eller måske en anden lærer.

Efter at have ventet på omkring 2 minutter, Office døren højlydt råber åben, en høj mand med tykt lysebrunt hår og en skræmmende statur skrider ind, giver en lille nik til kvinden før nærmer mig. Jeg står op og giver ham hånden.

"Hej der, Jeg er Mr. Curriagh eller Aric, jeg er her for at eskortere dig til din klasse."Hans stemme har en tyk accent til det, noget jeg bliver nødt til at vænne for nu, da jeg bor i Skotland. Hans skræmmende kropsholdning ser ud til at være i kontrast til det venlige smil, han tilbyder.

"En fornøjelse at møde dig Aric, jeg er Saden ."Jeg reagerer høfligt, før jeg tillader ham at føre mig ud af kontoret og ned ad gangen.

"Så du er den nye videnskabslærer?"Han stemmer i let nysgerrighed og fortsætter med at navigere i de tomme haller.

"Ja, hvad lærer du?"Jeg spørger, går hurtigere for at holde trit med hans hurtige tempo.

"Åh mig? Jeg har altid været litteraturperson."Hans svar får et lille smil til at dukke op, det faktum, at folk her er så hyggelige og indbydende, er noget, jeg elsker. Vi stopper efter endnu et øjeblik med at gå.

"Nå, det er din klasse, selvom du ankom lidt sent."Han forklarer, mens vi ser eleverne pakke deres tasker. Jeg slipper et stille suk, selvfølgelig ville jeg savne hele den første dag i mit job.

"Du skal ikke bekymre dig om at gå glip af din klasse, du kan komme ind for at hjælpe med tilbageholdelse eller udforske grundene."Aric siger, når han flimrer øjnene fra vinduet til mig, er jeg ved at reagere, når klokken ringer højt og ekko gennem de tomme haller, før klasselokalerne svinger åbne og eleverne arkiverer ud. Vi står begge tæt ved vinduet til min klasse, indtil hallerne stille ned igen, kun et par studerende stående rundt, mens nogle er lige nu færdig pakning op.

Aric vender sig for at tale til mig igen, når hans blik vender sig til noget bag mig, hans pludselige råb overrasker mig, og jeg vender mig hurtigt for at se den skyldige.

En ung dreng med mørkebrunt hår stopper straks, hans øjne går bredt ved at blive råbt på, hans arm strammer sit greb omkring sin bog greb mod brystet.

"Bueskytte. Tilbageholdelse er i den anden retning."Aric siger, når han går op til den studerende . Jeg forventer, at enhver studerende er nervøs for at blive kaldt ud af en lærer, men denne studerende, Archer, syntes ligefrem bange.

Før Archer er i stand til at reagere, Aric begynder at tale igen. "Dette er anden gang, du har forsøgt at springe tilbageholdelse, Archer."Giver en lille pause, da han venter på et svar, efter at have modtaget ingen, slap han et irritations suk, før han sagde:" Kom med mig Archer."Begynder at gå tilbage over til mig, Archer efterfølgende et par skridt bagud med øjnene trænet på gulvet.

"Jeg er ked af at skære din tur kort, men jeg er nødt til at eskortere denne studerende til tilbageholdelse."Aric siger, når han kigger tilbage til Archer .

"Helt okay Aric, noget imod, hvis jeg kommer med? Jeg savnede trods alt min første dag."Jeg spørger, kigger på Archer, hans øjne har ikke flyttet fra gulvet hele tiden. Aric nikker kort hovedet, før han fører vejen til tilbageholdelse. Jeg følger hurtigt, forsøger at holde op, lytter som Aric beskriver de dele af skolen, vi passerer igennem.

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Hvem er denne person? Er hun den nye lærer? Hun sagde, at hun savnede sin første dag her, og vores nye lærer for videnskab var ude af stand til at dukke op.

Jeg løfter hovedet op, Mine øjne ser på hende et øjeblik, mens jeg overvejer, om jeg skal stille mit spørgsmål eller ej. Til sidst giver jeg efter for nysgerrighed, spørger jeg, " er du den nye videnskabslærer?"Mit spørgsmål ser ud til at skræmme dem begge ud af deres small talk, Mr. Curraigh nu tavs, mens jeg afventer hendes svar. Hun vender sig mod mig og tilbyder et venligt smil, før hun svarer: "ja det er mig, Du kan kalde mig Fru Monroe."Hendes svar er rart, men kort, og hendes stemme syntes at svæve lidt, da hun sagde sit efternavn, hvilket fik mit hoved til at vippe så lidt i forvirring over hendes modvilje mod at tale sit efternavn.

"Det er rart at møde dig Fru Monroe, mit navn er Archer."Jeg svarer, min stemme synes mere selvsikker og højere end min normale tone, selvom jeg næppe giver det nogen tanke. Monroe, jeg ved ikke hvorfor, men hun syntes lettere at tale med, det kunne have været fra hendes ikke-skræmmende holdning og højde, eller muligvis at hun mindede mig om min mor, som begge er plausible.

Vi talte om den bog, jeg holdt, da Mr. Curraigh stopper, det rum, som tilbageholdelse holdes i at være lige foran os. Jeg rækker ud for at få fat i håndtaget, øjeblikkeligt glemmer min håndledsskade, indtil jeg frigiver et grunt af smerte, straks trækker mit håndled tilbage og holder det mod mit bryst som den hårde gribende smerte, der oversvømmer mit system, minder mig om i går.

Både Mr. Curraigh og Mrs. Monroe synes chokeret over mit pludselige udbrud af smerte, Mrs. Monroe er om at sige noget, men jeg har ikke tid til at tænke, snublede baglæns jeg blive lidt og køre af sted. Jeg går til det eneste sted, jeg føler mig tryg, Bingham ' s Dam, eller Svane Dam, som min mor plejede at sige; bare huske, der forårsager en bølge af angst for at feje gennem min krop, alle disse ting, der holder sker, er for overvældende. Først mister jeg min mor og søster i en bilulykke, så beskylder min stedfar(som allerede ikke kunne lide mig) mig for det, og nu har jeg en lærer, der minder mig nøjagtigt om min mor, Jeg ved simpelthen ikke, hvordan jeg skal føle eller reagere på disse situationer længere. Jeg er så fanget i disse produktive tanker og smerter, at jeg ikke hører fodsporene nærme mig. Det var den pludselige hånd på min skulder, der fik mig til at gispe overrasket over tilstedeværelsen af en anden person. Curraigh eller muligvis Alec, men jeg bliver i stedet mødt af fru Monroes triste smil, da hun hænger ved siden af mig. Når jeg rækker Hånden ud efter mit håndled, flincherer jeg væk, men efter endnu et sekund tillader jeg hende at se mit håndled, ignorerer den mulige konsekvens, at hun måske sætter spørgsmålstegn ved, hvordan jeg har lidt denne skade.

Det var den lille udvidelse af hendes øjne, der fik mig til at følge hendes blik, jeg valgte aldrig at se på mine skader, så ser mit håndled alle hævede og forslåede årsager mine øjne til at udvide så godt. Hun rører let på mit håndled, og jeg trækker straks væk, smerten brænder gennem min arm. Hun ser ud til at sidde der i et øjeblik af tanke, som om hun overvejer, hvad hun skal sige.

"Bueskytte. Hvordan skete det?"Der var det, den ene ting, jeg ikke ville høre. Jeg ryster på hovedet og kigger væk, først nu indser jeg, at et par tårer havde strømmet ned i mit ansigt og hurtigt tørret dem med min frihånd. Jeg hører ikke et svar på mit afslag, så jeg kigger tilbage og ser Fru Monroe også holde tårer tilbage, selvom hvorfor, jeg ved det ikke. Ryster på hovedet, hun skubber sig ud af gulvet og rækker en hånd ud for mig, som jeg langsomt tager. Nu står jeg støver mig af med min gode hånd, holder løst min rygsæk, mens jeg afventer hendes spørgsmål.

Alt hun gør er, tilsyneladende ryste hendes hoved til sig selv, før motioning for mig at følge hende. Hun fører mig tilbage til skolen, aldrig taler eller kigger til mig, bare stirrer fremad, næsten emptily. Hun tager mig til det medicinske rum og beder mig om at vente ved døren, mens hun går væk for at tale med en sygeplejerske. Jeg spekulerer på, hvad hun siger, har hun mistanke om, at min stedfar forårsagede disse skader? Eller tror hun, at en anden studerende gjorde dette mod mig? Skal jeg bare løbe, mens jeg stadig har chancen? Monroe og sygeplejersken går over til mig, min nervøsitet sparker ind hos en anden person, der nu er til stede.

Jeg forsøgte ikke at være opmærksom på opblussen af smerter, da sygeplejersken indpakket mit håndled i en ispose, den frysende kulde fik mig til at ryste, da vejret udenfor allerede var køligt. Efter et par minutter af glasur mit håndled hun bringer en kompression bandage, snuggly indpakning mit håndled og hånd, smerten er mindsket, men opretholder en stabil smerte, der omgiver hele min arm. Når hun er færdig, giver hun mig instruktioner til at gøre dagligt, og en note til klassen, da det var min skrivehånd.

Monroe venter der, hendes venlige smil erstattet af et seriøst og strengt look, en der gør mine Skridt lidt mere tøvende. Vi forlader med værelse og gå ud i den rolige, øde gangen, hendes ansigt stadig alvorligt som vi begge stoppe.

"Hvordan fik du den skadeskytte."Det var ikke et spørgsmål, men noget, der krævede et svar, ET jeg var ekstremt tilbageholdende med at give. Lystfiskeri mit ansigt væk fra hende, jeg ryste mit hoved ' nej ' igen, ikke ønsker at fortælle hende sandheden, mit sind blaring, at det ville forårsage mere smerte end gavn, at selv om hun troede mig ingen andre ville.

"Archer, hvis du ikke fortæller mig det, bliver jeg nødt til at bede kontoret om at ringe til din far."Hun siger, at hendes stemme mister noget af det er sternness, da hun forsøger at få mig til at svare.

At høre hendes opkald Alec min far får alle disse følelser til bare at eksplodere, min Vrede flyder frit, og jeg kan ikke undgå at reagere kaotisk, "han er ikke min far!"Min råb ekkoer ned ad gangen, stilheden, der er tilbage i kølvandet, er ubehagelig, al den vrede-drevne tillid forlader hurtigt min krop, når jeg trækker vejret ud. Hun er ikke dum, hun skal finde ud af, hvad der foregår, jeg bliver taget væk fra mit hjem, det sidste sted, der minder mig om mor og min søster.

Hendes kropsholdning ser ud til at stivne efter at have hørt mit Svar, Jeg kan kun håbe, at hun ikke bliver vred på mit udbrud.

"Jeg vil kun spørge dig en gang til. Hvem gjorde dette."Hendes stemme var dødsens stille, den anden sætning blev hårdt udtalt og efterlod ikke plads til undskyldninger. Endelig står jeg overfor hende, selvom mit hoved stadig er sænket, Mine øjne flimrer op til hende så ofte som jeg overvejer, hvad jeg skal sige.

"....Alec."Min stemme praktisk talt en hvisken, selvom jeg ved, at hun hørte det, og at vide, at en anden er opmærksom på denne hemmelighed, får mig bare til at føle mig... sårbar.

Ch.5: Secrets for the Future

Ch.4 Ch.6

"Before we proceed with the festivities, I'd like to formally introduce myself. Fetch the dog!" Lofa yells out; seconds later Huata walks forwards and starts translating what he says. He suddenly swings at Huata, knocking her over after he saw Hinto try to run, knocking Huata into a tree.

'She's not standing up, I know that blow didn't kill her, but I'm mad as hell now!'

I look over to see Sespria and her cousin trying to wake Huata, but she seems to be in a state of unconsciousness, as later stated by Sespria's cousin. Sespria sends her off to fetch water, while I slowly crawl over to the tree Huata is next to.

Dasker bares his teeth then launches at Lofa, they are constantly clawing and biting at each other. Suddenly Lofa has grabbed Dasker's head with one of his massive fore paws, slowly pushing him back, whilst puncturing Dasker's neck with his long claws.

Dasker jumps to the side, raking his teeth across Lofa's arm as he jumps to the side; blood mating the fur on his head as it drips down his forehead. He tries to catch his breath but is smacked down by Lofa as the big cat corners him in anger. He stomps his massive paw onto Dasker's face, preparing to bite into his neck.

I get up, and launch, looking to the side for a split second to see Anemy launching at the big cat as well. I tear into his back leg while Anemy rips into his right forearm, causing him to jump back before letting out an angered roar.

Dasker stood up quickly, looking at us in anger before saying, "What are you doing here! You disobeyed my direct order!" He growls at us.

"Hmm. And this is the thanks we get for saving your butt. Hmm, figures, sit back and watch how it's done." With that she takes off, signaling with her tail for me to attack with her. As much as I thought I hated her, she's turning out to be an interesting character.

I race after Anemy as we attack the big cat, Anemy gets hit, but she seems fine so we continue to attack Lofa. Hinto launches at Lofa, but the big cat swipes at Hinto, successfully smacking him away while also leaving cuts across his muzzle.

We all continue launching ourselves at Lofa; Hinto latches onto Lofa's back leg while Anemy gets thrown to the ground. Lofa begins to repeatedly hit Hinto against the ground until Lofa eventually rips him off before throwing him across the floor like a rag doll. Dasker jumps forward and gets a few good hits in before Lofa has him pinned, pulling at his tail.

I turn to see Sespria and her cousin pouring water onto Huata's face, I look at her but she doesn't regain consciousness. Dasker lets out a loud, pained howl as his tail is ripped off and thrown to the side, blood spewing out of the freshly torn skin.

I look back to see Huata awake and looking at Sespria confused. After Sespria explains a little of the situation Huata walks towards us slightly.

"Stop it, all of you." Lofa looks up and growls at seeing Huata is awake. I try to get up but my body is extremely tired from exertion.

"Look at you all, you're causing more damage than good; even you Lofa. You with all your strength refuse to take us wolves seriously. You played this like a game, and you underestimated us as predators.

I know you're in pain to, choosing to ignore it won't make it go away." Huata voices as she looks at us. Lofa looks ready to kill her with all the growling and snarling he's doing; not to mention he's towering over Huata whilst standing on his back legs.

"Pain you say. I'LL SHOW YOU PAIN! I'LL PUT YOU OUT OF YOUR MISERY!" Lofa yells, but before he can attack her the white lynx from before appears in front of her.

'That lynx looks pissed off, but she doesn't stand a chance against a lion like Lofa; after all he's so much bigger and stronger than her.'

"You shall not cause harm to her. Your presence has drastically altered the natural balance of the forest. Be warned, it will not put up with you for much longer." The lynx states in a slightly threatening way.

"Oh look, we have a talking dog and now a talking house cat. Unfortunately for you kitty, I'm not looking to adopt anymore pets." Lofa exclaims before striding forward and slicing his claws across the chest of the lynx, successfully wounding and throwing her back from the force. However in mid air I see her wrap her arms around her body; when she lands I see she is no longer wounded.

She must be like Huata, I'm making an educated guess that all albino creatures will be like Huata, but that might be a false conclusion, but I'll have to wait to find out.

I look away from the lynx to see that the blood coating his body turns into thick vines that wrap and tangle themselves over him, thus leaving him immobilized.

"What kind of sorcery is this!" He yells in anger at his predicament. The vines have a new appearance, and are coated with thorns that puncture through Lofa's skin; causing him to roar in pain as he struggles to free himself. I turn back and walk next to Huata, watching as the lynx turns to face us; before disappearing the same way as before.

"Go. Now!" Sespria exclaims as she turns from Lofa to us.

"Goodbye Sespria, and thanks for everything." Huata responds.

"Don't forget about me." Sespria states as she watches Huata run after her pack mates.

"I believe we'll be seeing each other soon, whether it be on good or bad terms is your choice." I voice before sprinting after the rest of our pack; leaving Sespria to wonder what my words meant.

As we return to the clearing I see an angry looking Ash as she watches Huata and Anemy return with Dasker and Hinto. I decided to take a different route, which led me to come up on the other side of the clearing.

"Anemy! Huata! Are you crazy?!" Ash questions as she growls at them.

"Chill out mom, I'm fine." Anemy states while Huata stays quiet. I walk up and sit in between the two sisters; I'm starting to warm up slightly to Anemy, but she's still a little to bossy for us to become best friends.

I look over to see Trot trying to apologize for not watching over us, but Dasker simply walks away while Trot is in mid sentence. The pack follows after Dasker, while I fall in step next to Trot.

"Dasker just has a lot on his mind right now, he still accepts you even if you mess up every once in a while." I say trying to get Trot to loosen up on himself, after all it isn't his fault we all disobeyed the alphas order; and if he tried to stop us he wouldn't have really had any luck.

"Thanks Ceska, but it was my responsibility and I failed. I need to be more responsible; and if Dasker ignoring me is the price, then I must earn back his trust." Trot states, leaving no room for argument. We stop by Kilo's decomposing corpse, causing me to feel worried for Trot and Hinto who didn't react that well last time they saw it.

"You know, even though he could be a bully at times, he always knew how to make us laugh." Troy voices as he looks off, probably remembering a memory of Kilo. The laughing after a couple of seconds at what must have been a humorous memory.

"Yah, good ole Kilo; and to think that if it wasn't for him I wouldn't even be alive right now." Hinto states, but Huata suddenly begins to dig into the ground, creating a hole.

"Uh, why are you digging a hole?" Hinto questions in confusion.

"I hear it's how humans show respect for their dead." Huata answers before continuing to dig.

"It's respectful to throw dirt on them? Human culture is really strange." Hinto states as he questions why.

'You'll see what I mean." Huata states before pulling Kilo into the hole, then layering the dirt over his body, while the pack watches from the sides of the grave.

"You know what, it does look better. It's as if Kilo's at peace again, suddenly it's not so hard to smile." Trot voices as he looks up from Kilo's grave.

"Yah, I guess you're right." Hinto states as he looks at Kilo's grave as well.

The pack starts to howl, but soon after Dasker falls to the ground, and appears to be in a state of unconsciousness, probably due to all the injuries in his head and body which he failed to have treated.

_______

It's sunset when Dasker finally wakes up after being treated for his injuries, Ash sits up quickly after Dasker regains consciousness.

"You were all lucky to make it out alive, ugh. It's any wonder this pack needed this lot. We need to be out of here by morning." Ash states as she looks to Dasker to confirm the order.

Dasker seems to think for a moment before choosing Huata as his mate, to say she was unhappy was an understatement, but she hid it well so as to not offend him. To say Anemy was angry wasn't realistic, in fact she was well beyond angry as she watched Huata get chosen instead of herself.

"Oh come on, why her. After all the trouble I got in trying to save you; yet she gets captured by a pack of dangerous predators, and gets rewarded for it. Unbelievable. Okay enough already, it's about time someone said the obvious, she's blind. You hear me, blind." Anemy snarls out loud as she looks at Dasker.

"You're blind? What's that?" Hinto questions as he looks to the others in confusion.

"It means she cannot see Hinto." Ash responds.

"Exactly. She cannot see, do you really want to have offspring with someone like that; heck if anything choose me, Ceska is even better than my useless sister." Anemy states as she looks straight at Dasker.

"Let us not be angry at her for deceiving you, despite how wrong it was. We should instead cast pity upon her, it's not like she'll be able to appreciate how handsome and brave you are Dasker." Anemy adds before waiting for his new decision.

Dasker thinks for a few seconds before looking to me, I growl and snap my jaws at him before striding over and sitting slightly behind Trot. Dasker, seeing as he knows I will not do anything if unwilling finally looks over to Anemy where he then walks over and chooses her as his mate. They start to walk away, but not before Anemy sticks her tongue out at Huata.

"This is not how I wanted this to go about. Still it's best that he found out, are you okay with that Huata?" Ash asks as she looks at her daughter.

"I was never meant to be an Alpha female, it didn't mean anything to me; but I could've done without the humiliation." Huata responds before walking away, followed by Hinto. I was about to follow them but Trot jumped in front of me.

"What?" I question straight forward.

"Why did you refuse to become Alpha female? From what information I've collected from Ash, every female wants to be with the Alpha." Trot states in confusion and desperation. As he looks at me, awaiting my answer.

"Dasker isn't my type, and Anemy would have my throat, and I don't want that seeing as we're just starting to get along. After all, I've had another male on my mind instead." I state before stepping around him and sprinting towards where Huata and Hinto should be; after all, I know what his next question would be, and I didn't want to answer it just yet.

I arrive to see Hinto and Huata embracing each other, I walk forward silently as I stride over and sit next to them. When they break away they finally see me, and jump in slight surprise.

"When did you get there?" Hinto questions.

"What are you planning?" I ask as I stare at them. They both look to each other as if unsure to tell me something, but Huata eventually answers.

"Hinto and I have decided to take over the pack. He'll do plenty of training to make sure that this time he wins the battle." Huata responds as she looks to me in hope.

"Well in that case...... count me in!" I exclaim in happiness as I bound up and wag my tail slightly. They both look at me in surprise and confusion.

"So you're not going to tell Dasker?" Hinto questions in hope.

"Of course not, you two would be the perfect alphas, but I won't tell on one condition." I state as I look them in the eye.

"Name your terms." Hinto states. I look at them with a smirk on my lips before responding.

"I will be allowed to have pups as well.", I responded. They looked at me in extreme surprise before Huata questions,

"Who would you have puppies with though?"

"I believe Trots is the male she has her eyes on." Hinto states slyly as he looks at me in happiness.

"How'd you know?" I question, averting my eyes to the ground in embarrassment.

"Trot told me he was attracted to you but couldn't act on it seeing as he isn't the Alpha; but to answer your term, of course you can have pups, it would only help the pack so I see nothing wrong with that arrangement." Hinto explains. I'm so happy I jumped up and ran around them in eagerness.

"Calm down Ceska, we have to wait until Hinto takes leadership, then we can expand the pack, but for now let's head back before the others get ideas." Huata voices as she looks at me then Hinto. We both nod then jog back.

When we get back it's night time, and the others are getting ready to sleep. When we arrive Ash looks up and growls something about leaving without telling anyone, and almost waking Eric. I simply ignore her and walk over to Trot. He seems to be in a peaceful sleep, and it's just too perfect to resist.

I start to whack his tail with my paws before getting bored and simply tackling him. Trot jumps up in surprise, looking around until he spots me; I jump off him and run a little off into the forest, but he pounces at me, successfully pushing me to the ground. I flip over causing him to roll off me. We both stood up and circle each other before jumping and wrestling till one of us got the upper hand. So far I was winning.

At the end I stood over him while he was lying on his back; he suddenly kicked out my feet and turned over, causing me to be swept onto my back in one swift move. I look up to see Trot smirking in victory, before stepping off of me so I could get up, I look up at him before rubbing my head against his neck slightly.

After stepping away afterwards his face is confused, but then becomes understanding, he looks to me and back in the direction of the pack.

"Ceska, you know we can't have pups or anything like that; after all, Dasker's the Alpha, not me." Trot states in slight sadness and anger as he sits down, trying to deal with his emotions. I sit next to him close enough so that our fur is slightly rubbing against each other.

"I have a secret to tell you, but I can't tell you unless you promise not to tell anyone else." I emphasize as I look into his eyes.

"If it's that important, I promise I won't tell anyone else." Trot states as he touches my nose with his.

"Hinto is training to take on Dasker as Alpha." I state as I look away from him.

"Well if Hinto wins we still won't be allowed to be mates, only the alpha pair can be mates after all." Trot responds as he looks up in slight surprise.

"Yah, I know the rules, but I overheard their plan and said I wouldn't tell anyone if I could also have pups. They obviously agreed so when Hinto is Alpha I'll be allowed to have a mate and pups; so technically we only have to wait until Hinto becomes Alpha." I explained as I looked up to see if he was okay with it.

"Really?! That's amazing! We would have a large pack, plenty of offspring to continue; and we could be mates." he exclaims as he bounds around me, rubbing up against me.

I look at him and motion with my tail that we have to get back to the pack before Dasker and Anemy show up and wonder where we went and what we were doing. As we get back we lay a little away from the others, with our backs touching against each other's. That night we went to sleep thinking of the future ahead of us.

Ch.4 Ch.6

EWAN MITCHELL as AEMOND TARGARYEN + Visuals