Ch.3: The Hunter And The Hunted

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

Nesmyslná Realita(Czech)

Bylo brzy ve čtvrtek ráno, když dostala strašlivou zprávu, že její manžel je mrtvý.

Přemýšlela, proč se včera večer nevrátil domů, dokonce čekal u telefonu, nakonec mu zavolal, ale nikdy nedostal odpověď.

Ona právě odešel její děti, Lisette a Alonso, dolů své dlouhé příjezdové cestě na autobus čeká, tiše mává na rozloučenou, jak to hlučně odjel, nakonec nechal její úsměv a ruce na podzim, jak autobus vyjel ven z pohledu. Otočil se zpátky domů pěšky ona si uvědomila, že ptáci byli velice potichu, abnormálně takže, to dělalo mlčení nepříjemné, jak ona byla v pasti s její neustálé myšlenky, ani hračka chrastící spadané listí bylo tak hlasité jako obvykle. Uhladila černá pletená vlasy na stranu, než tahat neklidně na rukávech její modro-šedý svetr, pevně objala rukama kolem jejího těla, když začala chodit zpátky domů, bedlivě poslouchat křupání pod boty, její mysl stále bloudí zmatení v tom, kde její manžel, Ryker, byl. Pár kroků od ní na verandě, ona zpomalila její chůze, když uslyšela zvuk auta, její kroky nejisté mírně otočila, odhalující stand-out černé a bílé vzor Belmont, Ohio policejní auto řidičský směrem k ní. Oslnění čelního skla z šedé oblohy znemožnilo vidět, kdo řídil, takže si nebyla jistá, zda se cítí nadšená nebo rozrušená překvapivým vzhledem.

Čím blíž to jel rychleji její srdeční tep, přičemž mělčí dechy, když sledovala auto vytáhnout na zastávku pár metrů daleko. Její ruce se podvědomě ždímaly, když čekala, až se dveře auta otevřou, najednou se cítila nepříjemně horká, i když to bylo docela chladno. Věděla, že nebezpečí její manžel byl v důsledku jeho práci, a věděl, že by mohl být zabit nebo zraněn na jakékoliv výzvy; ale nic, co by ji připravit pro sklíčený pohled na důstojníky obličej jako on vystoupil z auta.

Ryker byl na telefonu se svým partnerem pro vloupání v rezidenční zóně, trestní šel vzadu a zaoblený dům přijít za nimi, jak oni šli se dostat přes rozbité dveře, střelba oba několikrát do zad před spuštěním. Policie v současné době hledá pro něj, ale jen dva svědky, kteří zahlédli ho, jak začal poprsí otevřít své dveře, a soused, který viděl, co se děje a zavolal policii.

Jako důstojník vysvětlil, co se stalo její mysl šel prázdný, již tlumit hluk z lesa zcela mizí a že nepříjemné teplo náhle mizí, takže její tělo, ne pocit, prázdné. Ona rychle zjistila, že je nucen vrátit se do reality, když důstojník měl dotknout jejího ramene, nebylo to neslušné, nebo nežádoucí, protože tento důstojník byl dobří přátelé s sebou a Ryker, ale náhlé a nečekané, kontaktujte ji šokovalo natolik, aby blbec rameno pryč a vzít krok zpět. Okamžitě stáhl ruku, jeho pohled svržený dolů k podlaze, zatímco ona svítila lítostivý pohled, když si uvědomila své činy.

Nakonec řekla: "Je mi to líto, jen se cítím v tuto chvíli trochu ohromen."Její hlas nesměle tichý, mírné koktání, když se snaží pochopit a ovládat všechny emoce náhle běží přes ni. Pohled na pochopení se mu omývá přes obličej, než slavnostně přikývne hlavou a otočí se zpět k autu, "sbohem smutno."Carter promluvil a nabídl krátký, smutný úsměv, než vstoupil do svého auta a odjel.

Tam bylo mnoho myšlenek v Saden hlavu, všechny zprávy, ne bít ji ještě plně. S její mysl racing se pomalu jí, jak se jí do domů kabiny, zamykání dveří, než odpočívá čelo tvrdě proti mořené dřevo, dávat sebe chvilku klidu před tlačení off a míří do telefonu, aby se pár telefonátů.

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Dům je tmavý, vydávat nepříjemný a zmatek aura, slunce nemá ještě zvýšil a žádné světlo v okolí, ale tady je chlapec s jeho školní uniformu a batoh na tiše zavřel dveře. Začne chodit pryč z jeho domu rychle, nervózní atmosféra kolem něj pomalu pohlcovat další dostal, jeho napjatá ramena a na okraji podívejte oslabení jednoduše mírné paranoie.

Má jizvu nad okem, její poněkud červená barva je zřejmá proti jeho bledé kůži. Dostal tuto jizvu ve stejnou dobu, kdy ztratil svou matku a nevlastní sestru, autonehoda byla brutální, jen on a jeden z ostatních cestujících automobilů přežili.

On odstíny jeho oči pryč od oslepující světla, že projít každý tak často, jak chodí po chodníku, jeho paranoia mizí čím blíže se blíží Bingham je Rybník. Najde místo daleko od silnice a položí tašku dolů, když pozoruje spící labutě a kachny. Malý úsměv milosti jeho rysy, jak on si pamatuje, když on a jeho matka, Liz, by sem přišel brzy ráno mluvit a dívat se na východ slunce před školou; jeho úsměv mizí stejně rychle, jak přišla až si uvědomí, že může jen přijít sám. Vždycky mohl požádat svého nevlastního otce Aleca, aby šel s ním, ale obával se jakékoli odpovědi, kterou Alec dal, zvláště teď, když byl jediný, kdo přežil autonehodu.

Ve snaze setřást své myšlenky pryč od minulosti se podívá zpět na labutě a obdivuje jejich krásu proti temné vodě. Prvních pár slunečních paprsků začne zářit proti matné obloze, mírný vánek způsobuje, že se třese, protože nemá jednotnou bundu, protože to stojí peníze navíc. Jak on si sedne a opře o strom a on se zamračil na bolest vzplanutí v zádech, než se otřepat a vytáhl tašku se k němu, odepnout zmrazení kovu a sáhl dovnitř, vytáhl složku obsahující nedokončené úkoly; mnoho z nich mělo hrudky a slzy, i když je držel úhledně ve složce. Uvolňuje unavený a podrážděný povzdech začal pracovat, počínaje jeho názvem,'Archer Carlisle', jeho studené ruce, takže je těžší psát a podívat zhoršení záblesky v jeho očích, když ví, že nebude mít všechny tyto úkoly, než školy; strach náplň něm při pomyšlení, že by museli říct Alec o špatnou známku, i když jeho nedokončené a roztrhané úkol byl Alec je chyba. S dalším povzdechem se vrátil do práce a snažil se co nejrychleji a co nejpřesněji dokončit co nejvíce.

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Už je to týden, co jsem řekl o jeho smrti, už jsem věděl, že jsem nemohl zůstat v našem pohodlném Ohio domů, zejména od Ryker to postavil, jen chodit do dveří způsobil nechutný pocit, že mytí nade mnou s vědomím, že jsem ho nikdy neuvidím.

Pohřeb byl včera odpoledne... Černé šaty, které jsem nosil, jsou nyní hromada šedého popela v ohništi. Moje dcera Lisette šla se mnou, byl větrný den s posypeme déšť utírání prachu země mimo; zdá se, že svět byl ještě truchlí nad ztrátou, ale to je asi jen mnou uvedení významu do jednoduché věci. Můj syn Alonso využil smrti svého otce velmi těžké, já vím, jak blízko byli, a vidět můj syn pláče udělal slzu prorazit můj fasády síly, ale musel jsem rychle otřete ji pryč, když jsem objal mou plačící syn. Jeho výkřiky trvaly hodinu, Lisette začala plakat také,když viděla, jak se Alova třesoucí forma utěšuje mou. Tu noc jsem s nimi zůstal v jejich pokoji, seděl na koberci mezi jejich dvěma postelemi, jedna ruka uchopila v každém z mých, když jsem jim vyprávěl příběhy, aby je ukolébali ke spánku. Když jsem věděl, že spí, i nadále držet za ruce, opřel hlavu o dřevěnou zeď, když jsem zíral na strop, světlo z měsíce vytváří stíny větví stromů proti protější stěně. Prostě jsem tam seděl a přemýšlel o hovorech, které jsem udělal v den, kdy jsem obdržel zprávy; do příštího týdne bude to, co zbylo z mé rodiny, v naší skotské chalupě, daleko od něj.

Ještě musím dětem říct, že nevím, jak jim říct, že se vzdalujeme od všeho, co nám připomíná jejich otce. Mohu jen doufat, že mě za toto rozhodnutí nebudou pohrdat, ale jen pobyt v tomto domě způsobí, že moje mysl bloudí směrem, kterým si nedovolím jít.

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Zazvoní zvonek hlasitě, jak jsem spěchat do zavírací dveře mé třídy, podíval se po místnosti, vidím, že všichni již sedí a učitel pozoruje mě ostře. Snižování můj pohled, jsem narovnat svůj domácí úkol a zase-v neslavně skončil stránek do koše, než courání kolem mého stolu učitele dosáhnout svého sedadla, aby se zabránilo jeho a všichni ostatní, je dívat se na všechny časy.

Vím, že bych neměla být strach o moji učitelé, ale Pan Curraigh má stejný přísný hlas jako Alec, a nemůžu si pomoct, ale být nervózní, kdykoliv vkročím do své třídy; jeho přísná pravidla a zastrašující postavu nemám zrovna mi pomoct, když se snaží odlišit dva.

Pan Curraigh pohledy z jeho počítače na mě, jsem polknout nervózně a zamíchat mírně v mé místo jsem se podíval dolů na papír jsem opatrně umístil na můj stůl. Třída je klidné klábosení měli opět několik okamžiků před lety, ale byl rychle zastaven znovu, když Pan Curraigh tlačil jeho šikmá obrázek z jeho psací stůl a neuspěchaný strided do přední části třídy.

"Pane Carlisle, chcete třídě vysvětlit, proč jste přišel pozdě? Znovu."Jeho nonšalantní první věta značně kontrastovala s jeho tvrdým vyslovením "znovu". Podvědomě jsem sklonil hlavu, když třída mlčí, jiné třídy by se mohly chichotat,ale vědí, že se v této třídě nemají šroubovat.

Zavrtěl jsem hlavou "ne", aniž bych plně důvěřoval svému hlasu, aby odpověděl bez koktání.

"Neslyším tě Archere. Vysvětlíte třídě, proč jste přišli pozdě."Jeho ostrý, akcentovaný hlas zazvonil proti klidu a nezanechal prostor, aby se vyhnul jeho otázce. Vím, že se na mě dívá, když čeká na svou odpověď. Konečně se na něj dívám a tiše odpovídám, když můj pohled neustále bliká mezi ním a stropem.

"Zaspal jsem, pane, nedovolím, aby se to stalo znovu."Snažil jsem se představit klidnou tvář, abych mu snad zabránil v tom, aby mě znovu zavolal, moje mysl uvnitř řve myšlenkami na to, zda přijme omluvu nebo ne. Vteřina projde, než se vrátí na tabuli a začne psát, všichni ji rychle zkopírují do svých notebooků, konverzace zdánlivě zapomenutá. Tušení, obav i nadále kobylka v hlavě, že věděl, že moje omluva byla falešná, ale neměl jsem čas to dát nějaké rozjímání, jak už jsem byl pozadu na poznámky, a mé nedávné zranění zápěstí není zrovna mě přínosem.

Třída konečně skončila, většina lidí byla sbalena a čekala u dveří na zvonek, jen pár lidí sedělo u svých stolů. I zastrčit přiřazené domácí úkoly do jejich složky, umístění můj notebook v mé tašce, jakož. Sáhnu po složce, když ji nejprve uchopí další ruka, ruka patřící žádnému studentovi. Jsem pokukovat očí před rychle při pohledu dolů na stůl, to byl Pan Curraigh, který držel můj domácí úkol složku, opíral se o stůl, jak on prolistoval nyní otevřete složku.

"Víte, vaše organizace a péče se nesčítají, když odevzdáte roztrhané papíry."Uvádí, jak pomalu zavírá složku a drží ji, abych ji vzal, což rychle sleduji, tiše ji vložím do tašky.

"Chcete mi říct skutečný důvod, proč se zdá, že jste vždy pozdě?"Pan Curraigh otázky, jeho normálně hlasitý a přísný hlas nyní tišší a obsahující náznak obav. Bylo to pár okamžiků a já jsem ještě reagovat, když se ozve,

"Archere, pokud máte skutečný důvod, proč jste pozdě, chápu, ale nemohu přijmout tyto falešné výmluvy už. Tohle je už 10. čas, kdy jsi přišel pozdě. Pokud mi Nemůžete dát skutečný důvod, musím vás zadržet."Jeho hlas byl nikdy velmi přísný nebo krutý celé věty, které mají spíše varovný tón, ale můžu sebrat jako odpověď je, aby se neklidně zavrtěla hlavou "ne", když se podívám nahoru, aby se setkala s jeho pohledem. Pan Curraigh se prostě na chvíli těší, než uvolní podrážděný povzdech a odtáhne ze stolu.

"Přijď pozdě na zadržení, Pane Carlisle."Je vše, co říká, než se vrátí ke svému stolu, zazvoní zvonek a studenti spěchají ze dveří, já okamžitě následuji, abych nepřišel pozdě na další lekci. Moje myšlenky na zbytek dne jsou zahaleny tím, jak Alec bude reagovat, když se vrátím domů pozdě, jak bude reagovat, když mu řeknu, že jsem znovu zadržen. Hrůza bazény v mé hrudi, takže se cítí pevně a vzduch dusí, jak jsem se plahočit přes den.

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První den v našem novém domově to byla chalupa, kterou vlastnili rodiče a kterou jsem zdědil. Daleko od Ohia, daleko od Ryker, celou cestu v Glasgow, Skotsko, který se nachází v pěkné oblasti s lolling zelených polí a kamenné zdi úhledně obklopující ji.

Lisette a Alonso vzali tento krok lépe, než jsem očekával, zdálo by se, že chtěli utéct stejně jako já. Zavolal jsem dopředu, abych se ujistil, že chata je připravena, když jsme dorazili, a přítel mých rodičů přichází sledovat mé děti, protože musím co nejdříve jít do své práce. Spěchám z domu, rychle obejmu přítele a rychle uvedu čas, kdy budu doma, než přejdu k mému pronajatému vozidlu Volkswagen. Moje tašky popruh kroucení, když se snažím umístit vše v autě, rychle jsem strčit ji do sedadla spolujezdce před nastavením zrcátka a míří do mé nové práci.

Šedé mraky vrhající se po obloze mi připomínají hodně domova, ale toto rušné město je přesně to, co potřebuji, abych se dostal pryč od mého života v malém městě. Jízda na levé straně je však docela zvláštní, něco, na co si někteří zvyknou.

Když vjíždím na parkoviště, všimnu si, že škola se blíží ke konci dne, doufám, že mě nevyhodí, než vůbec začnu. Rychle klopýtal přes dveře kanceláře, jsem narovnat držení těla a tričko, než chodit na recepci a uvádějící, jsem nový učitel. Žena se usmívá, než někomu zavolá, předpokládám, že ředitel nebo možná jiný učitel.

Po čekání na asi 2 minuty, kancelář dveře hlasitě žádá otevřít, vysoký muž s hustými světle hnědými vlasy a zastrašující postavy pokroky, dává malé kývnutí na ženu předtím, než se ke mně blíží. Vstávám a potřásám mu nabídnutou rukou.

"Ahoj, Jsem pan Curriagh nebo Aric, jsem tu, abych vás doprovodil do vaší třídy."Jeho hlas má silný přízvuk, něco, co si teď budu muset zvyknout, protože žiji ve Skotsku. Zdá se, že jeho zastrašující postoj kontrastuje s přátelským úsměvem, který nabízí.

"Rád vás poznávám, Aricu, jsem smutný."Zdvořile odpovím, než mu dovolím, aby mě vyvedl z kanceláře a na chodbě.

"Takže vy jste nový učitel vědy?"Hlasuje v mírné zvědavosti a pokračuje v navigaci po prázdných halách.

"Ano, co učíte?"Ptám se, chůze rychleji držet krok s jeho svižným tempem.

"Oh já? Vždycky jsem byl literární člověk."Jeho odpověď způsobuje, že se objeví malý úsměv, skutečnost, že lidé zde jsou tak milí a příjemní, je něco, co zbožňuji. Zastavíme se po další chvíli chůze.

"No, tohle je vaše třída, i když jste dorazili trochu pozdě."Vysvětluje, když sledujeme studenty, jak si balí tašky. Uvolňuji tichý povzdech, samozřejmě bych zmeškal celý první den své práce.

"Nebojte se, že ztratíte svou třídu, můžete se připojit, abyste pomohli s zadržením nebo prozkoumali důvody."Aric říká, když bliká oči z okna ke mně, Chystám se reagovat, když zvon zazvoní hlasitě, ozvěna prázdnými sály, než se dveře učebny otevřou a studenti se vypustí. Oba stojí u okna do třídy do haly tichý zase dolů, jen několik studentů, stojící kolem, zatímco někteří jsou právě teď dokončuji balení.

Aric se ke mně otočí, když se jeho pohled otočí k něčemu za mnou, jeho náhlý výkřik mě překvapí a rychle se otočím, abych viděl viníka.

Mladý chlapec s tmavě hnědými vlasy, okamžitě se zastaví, jeho oči jít široký být křičel na, ruku zpřísnění svých držet kolem jeho kniha tiskla proti jeho hrudi.

"Lukostřelec. Zadržení je v opačném směru."Aric uvádí, jak chodí ke studentovi. Očekával bych, že každý student bude nervózní, když bude povolán učitelem, ale tento student, Archer, vypadal vyloženě vyděšeně.

Než Archer bude schopen reagovat, Aric začne znovu mluvit. "Je to podruhé, co jste se pokusil vynechat vazbu, Archere."Dává mírný zlom, když čeká na odpověď, poté, co neobdržel žádnou, nechal si povzdechnout podrážděním, než řekl: "Pojď se mnou Archer."Začínám chodit zpátky ke mně, Archer vleče pár kroků za sebou s očima vyškolenými na podlaze.

"Je mi líto, že jsem zkrátil vaše turné, ale musím doprovodit tohoto studenta do vazby."Aric uvádí, jak se dívá zpět k Archerovi.

"Docela v pořádku Aricu, můžu jít s tebou? Přece jen mi chyběl první den."Ptám se, podíval se na Archera, jeho oči se po celou dobu nepohybovaly z podlahy. Aric krátce přikývne hlavou, než povede cestu k zadržení. Rychle sleduji, snažím se držet krok, poslouchám, jak Aric popisuje části školy, kterou procházíme.

------

Kdo je ta osoba? Je to nová učitelka? Řekla, že tu zmeškala první den, a náš nový učitel vědy se nemohl ukázat.

Zvedám hlavu nahoru, oči se na ni na chvíli dívají, když přemýšlím, zda bych se měl zeptat nebo ne. Nakonec se vzdávám zvědavosti a ptám se: "jste nový učitel vědy?"Zdá se, že moje otázka je oba vyleká z jejich malého rozhovoru, pan Curraigh nyní mlčí, když čekám na její odpověď. Otočí se ke mně a nabídne přátelský úsměv, než odpoví: "Ano, To jsem já, můžete mi říkat paní Monroe."Její odpověď je pěkné, ale krátké, a její hlas zdálo se, váhat trochu, když řekla, že její příjmení, což způsobuje hlavu naklonit někdy tak trochu ve zmatku na její nechuť mluvit její příjmení.

"Ráda vás poznávám, paní Monroeová, jmenuji se Archer."Odpovídám, můj hlas vypadá sebevědoměji a hlasitěji než můj normální tón, i když to sotva přemýšlím. Ten čas, co zbylo z chůze do vazby, strávil jsem ho mluvit s Paní Monroe, nevím proč, ale zdálo se, že jednodušší mluvit s, to by mohlo být z její non-zastrašující postoj a výšku, nebo možná, že mi připomínala mou matku, z nichž oba jsou věrohodné.

Mluvili jsme o knize, kterou jsem držel, když se pan Curraigh zastavil, místnost, ve které se zadržuje, je přímo před námi. Jsem oslovit chytit rukojeť, na okamžik zapomněl na moje zranění zápěstí, až jsem se uvolnit grunt bolesti, okamžitě tahá mě za zápěstí zpátky a držel ji na mé hrudi, jako krutá svíravá bolest, která zaplavila mé systém, který mi připomněl včera.

Jak Pan Curraigh a Paní Monroe se zdají šokováni, že můj náhlý výbuch bolesti, Paní Monroe je o něco říct, ale já nemám čas přemýšlet, klopýtal pozpátku jsem zase mírně a utéct. Jsem na jediné místo, kde se cítím v bezpečí, Blízkost Rybníka, nebo Labutí Rybník, jak říkávala moje matka; jen připomenout, že způsobuje vlny úzkosti zamést přes mé tělo, všechny tyto věci, které se pořád děje jsou příliš zdrcující. První jsem ztratil moje matka a sestra při autonehodě, pak můj nevlastní otec(který už mi nelíbilo) viní mě za to, a teď mám učitele, který mi připomíná přesně to, moje matka, já prostě nevím, jak se mám cítit, nebo reagovat na tyto situace. Jsem tak zaujatý těmito plodnými myšlenkami a bolestivou bolestí, že neslyším kroky, které se ke mně blíží. Byla to náhlá ruka na rameni, která mě překvapila přítomností jiné osoby. Rychle otočím hlavu očekávám, že uvidím rozzlobeného pana Curraigh nebo možná Aleca, ale místo toho se setkávám se smutným úsměvem paní Monroeové, když se krčí vedle mě. Natáhl jsem ruku na zápěstí, odhodil jsem se, ale po další vteřině jí dovolím vidět mé zápěstí, ignorující možný důsledek, že by mohla pochybovat o tom, jak jsem utrpěl toto zranění.

Bylo to mírné rozšíření jejích očí, které způsobilo, že jsem sledoval její pohled, rozhodl jsem se nikdy se podívat na mé zranění, takže když jsem viděl, jak moje zápěstí oteklé a pohmožděné způsobuje, že se mé oči také rozšířily. Lehce se dotkne mého zápěstí a já se okamžitě odtáhnu, bolest mi hoří rukou. Zdá se, že tam sedí v okamžiku přemýšlení, jako by přemýšlela o tom, co by měla říct.

"Lukostřelec. Jak se to stalo?"Tam to bylo, jediná věc, kterou jsem nechtěl slyšet. Jsem zavrtěla hlavou a dívat se jinam, teprve teď si uvědomil, že pár měl slzy stékaly po mé tváři, rychle otřel s mou volnou rukou. Neslyším odpověď na mé odmítnutí, takže se dívám zpět, když vidím, jak paní Monroe zadržuje slzy, i když proč, nevím. Kroutí hlavou, tlačí se z podlahy a natáhne ruku pro mě, kterou pomalu beru. Teď stojím oprášil jsem se svou dobrou rukou, volně drží svůj batoh, když čekám na její otázky.

Vše, co dělá, je, zdánlivě potřást hlavou k sobě, před motivací, abych ji následoval. Ona mě vede zpět do školy, nikdy mluvit nebo dívat se na mě, jen zíral dopředu, téměř empaticky. Vezme mě do lékařské místnosti a řekne mi, abych počkal u dveří, když odchází, aby si promluvila se sestrou. Zajímalo by mě, co říká, má podezření, že můj nevlastní otec způsobil tato zranění? Nebo si myslí, že mi to udělal jiný student? Měl bych prostě běžet, dokud mám ještě šanci? Moje myšlenky jsou náhle zastaveny, jak paní Monroe a sestra chodí ke mně, moje nervozita kope do jiné osoby, která je nyní přítomna.

Pokusil jsem se to dávat pozor na odlesk ups bolesti jako zdravotní sestra zabalené moje zápěstí ledový sáček, mrazu, což mi třást jako počasí venku už bylo chladno. Po několika minutách třešničkou mé zápěstí, že přináší kompresní obvaz, příjemná přetáčení zápěstí a ruky, bolest se zmenšila, ale udržuje stabilní bolest, která obklopuje celou moji ruku. Když skončí, dává mi pokyny k tomu denně, a poznámka pro třídu, protože to byla moje psací ruka.

Chůze ke dveřím, jsem na místě Paní Monroe čeká, její přátelský úsměv nahrazen vážný a přísný pohled, ten, který dělá moje kroky trochu více váhají. Opouštíme med místnost a vyjít do klidné, pusté chodby, její tvář stále vážné, jak jsme oba zastavit.

"Jak jste se k tomu zranění Archer."Nebyla to otázka, ale něco, co vyžadovalo odpověď, kterou jsem se velmi zdráhal dát. Rybaření svou tvář od ní jsem zavrtěla hlavou "ne", znovu, nechtěl jí říct pravdu, moje mysl řvala, že to by mohlo způsobit více bolesti, než dobrý, že i kdyby to udělala, věř mi, nikdo jiný.

"Archere, pokud mi to neřekneš, budu muset říct kanceláři, aby zavolala tvému otci."Ona říká, její hlas ztrácí některé z toho je přísnost, když se snaží přimět mě, abych odpověděl.

Když slyším její volání Alec můj táta způsobuje, že všechny tyto pocity prostě explodují, můj hněv volně proudí a nemohu si pomoci, ale chaoticky reagovat, "není to můj táta!"Můj výkřik se ozývá po chodbě, ticho, které zůstalo v jeho brázdě, je nepříjemné, všechno to hněvem poháněné sebevědomí rychle opouští mé tělo, když vydechuji. Není hloupá, přijde na to, co se děje, odvezou mě z domova, posledního místa, které mi připomíná mámu a sestru.

Zdá se, že její postoj ztuhne po vyslechnutí mé odpovědi, Mohu jen doufat, že se nebude zlobit na můj výbuch.

"Zeptám se tě ještě jednou. Kdo to udělal."Její hlas byl smrtelně tichý, druhá věta byla tvrdě vyhlášena a nezanechala prostor pro výmluvy. Konečně jsem její tvář, i když moje hlava je stále snížena, oči blikání se k ní každý tak často, jak jsem přemýšlet, co jsem chtěl říct.

"....Aleku."Můj hlas prakticky šepot, i když vím, že to slyšela, a věděl, že někdo jiný si je vědom tohoto tajemství, jen mě nutí cítit... zranitelný.

EWAN MITCHELL as AEMOND TARGARYEN + Visuals

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.

Simon Gruber: Am I Worth Anything?

Imagine being John McClane's youngest daughter, and running away to Germany after your parents start fighting again and your dad moves back to New York. What happens when Simon Gruber finds you on the streets:

-This is set after the second movie, but before the 3rd. I have the reader at age 12-

They'd started arguing again, everything was going so good too, Dad had moved here to LA and everything. I don't know what caused all of this, I thought they were happy, I thought everything was fixed... but I'm wrong as per usual.

Mom has us staying with her, but I'm honesty feeling so alone, even with my siblings around. They both are a few years older than me, so they either bully or ignore me, but neither is my friend. Dad was helping us figure this out, but that all went to waste after he left. They started being cold again, acting as if I don't exist. I know this separating is effecting them as well, but at least they have each other, I don't even have mom here to confide in since she's always working.

I try to call dad sometimes, but he's always drunk and usually thinks I'm mom, sometimes he doesn't even give me the chance to talk, just picks up the phone and starts cursing. He's never treated me like that before, sure, sometimes he just picks up the phone and responds that way before knowing it's me, but is that really an excuse? The separation must be hurting him as well... I wish I could help him, but I don't even know how to help myself. 

Sometime, late at night, I think about what occurred leading up to dad leaving. I remember them shouting at each other, trying to get my brother and sister to take sides. They choose mom either way, I just stood in-between, how could they make me choose? The looks of disdain coming from all sides made me wither, I felt hated, unwanted. Maybe things would be better if I leave?

_______

I left home, it may sound really stupid, but maybe things will be better if I stay at dad's for a little bit; surely things couldn't be worse than staying with my mother and siblings.

The train ride was costly and took around 3 days for me to arrive in New York; my packing was light, just my back pack with a few changes of clothing, all my savings, my ID, some food and a notepad and pen. I didn't want to pack to much because it would make it harder for me to slip out of the house unnoticed, so I just stuffed my backpack and went for it - I probably should've packed other things, but it's too late now.

New York was interesting, I was quite young when we moved to Los Angeles, so being back is a new experience. The buildings are tall and overbearing, they make you feel so small, and the crowded, busy sidewalks only emphasize that point. 

I pull out the map from my pocket, dotting what street I'm on, and then charting the best way to get to my father's apartment. His apartment is a bit away from the station, about 20ish blocks, but I've got enough daylight to make it before nightfall.

Before beginning my trek I pull out my walkman, restarting the CD, it's the Station to Station album by David Bowie - I hd to beg for a whole 2 months before my father finally gave in and bought me the walkman, he later gifted me this CD upon noticing how Bowie is my favorite musician. It's a nice reminder that my father cares for me, whenever I'm feeling lonely, I'll listen to this album.

I'm weaving my way through people, trying my best not to run into anyone. The sun seems to be setting a lot sooner than I thought it would, but that must be because of the time difference, I must've forgotten to account for that. Either way, I'm over half way there and the sun is just beginning to set, that last thing I want is to be caught after dark on the streets of New York - I especially don't want this as I am currently an unattended child.

I finally arrive at my fathers apartment, pressing the buzzer at the door, hoping he'll be home and let me in.

"Who is it?" I hear an annoyed voice answer, but I still sigh in relief.

"Dad?" My voice sounds so small, hopefully he still heard me.

"Y/N?" I don't know how to describe it, but it seems like so many emotions smashed into one word: relief, anger, happiness, anxiousness. So many that they overwhelm me.

"Yeah, it's me, can you let me in?" I don't get a verbal response, but hear the door being unlocked. I push open the heavy door, making my way inside the lobby. I head over to the elevator and push the up button, waiting patiently for the doors to open. I'm startled by the abrupt opening of the door from the stairwell, staring at the door as I watch my father come bustling out of it. He looks tense and rushed - a mess if I'm being honest, looking around quickly before stilling when he spots me. 

His movements are fast, he catches me off guard when he pulls me in unexpectedly for a tight hug. I'm surprised, but accept the contact, it's been so long since I've seen my father after all. As he holds me, I can't help but smell the alcohol on him, though I know mentioning it could be disastrous.

We separate and head into the now awaiting elevator, the ride up was quick but surprisingly quiet; I expected some sort of conversation, but maybe he's processing? The walk from the elevator to his apartment felt uncomfortably tense though, like something suddenly angered him. Either way, it made me feel uneasy.

As soon as I enter, I go to speak, but am cut off by the harsh slamming of the door.

"What the hell do you think you're doing!" He questions in a raised voice, he's angry, that much I can tell.

"I-" I begin to respond, but have no time as I am immediately cut off.

"Leaving without telling your mother, wandering the streets of New York at night! How the hell did you even get here from LA, no airline would let you board unattended?"

"I-I used the amtrak." I explain in a shaky voice, averting my eyes from his gaze and staring down at the dirty floor.

"What were you even thinking? Coming over here?" His voice is solemn now, and it makes me more uncomfortable than when he was yelling.

"I thought that... maybe I could stay here for a while?" I respond sheepishly, but hoping - no, praying - that he'll let me stay.

"Stay? Here, with me?" He questions incredulously.

"Please?" I whisper, glancing at him hopefully.

"What? No, you can't stay with me." He looks at me like I'm crazy, I suddenly feel very out of place, like I can't find anywhere that I'm allowed to exist. It's an astounding experience, especially when I've always felt so comfortable with my father.

"But..." I begin, trailing off as I try to think of what to say.

"But what? Don't tell me, you thought you could leave your mother and come live with me, that it would be as easy as showing up on my doorstep unannounced?" I can tell he's making fun of me, his tone gives it away.

"I-" I begin once again, only this time I'm interrupted.

"Well it's not! I thought you were smarter than that? You're going back to your mother's first thing tomorrow, you understand?" His shouting is scary, he's never acted like this towards me, though I have seen a few interactions like this between him and my mother.

"Dad, no, I want to stay here!" I all but beg, wide eyed at his words.

"I don't want you staying here, I don't want you anywhere near here!" My hearing goes silent after that, but there's an obnoxious ringing... Did he just say that? That he wants nothing to do with me, that he doesn't want me anywhere near him?

He says a few more things, but I don't care enough to hear them, all I can manage to do is stare straight forward in a daze. I travelled so far, but not even my father wants me around anymore.

I was right, I should've just disappeared; I'm the catalyst of every fight, had I never been born, maybe they would still be together?

I don't remember much that happened after, just my father rolling his eyes as he drags his palm tiredly over his face. He walks me to the spare bedroom and tell me to get some rest, but I don't think I'll be able to sleep after the words we traded.

I'm not quite sure how long I lay in that bed before I hear my father talking from the living room, I tiptoe out of bed and look through the cracked door, he seems to be on the phone.

"You think I wanted her here! Listen Holly, I'm sending her back on the train tomorrow, alright? Make sure she doesn't comeback to New York." He sounds tired, annoyed, upset... I guess he really doesn't want me here, but I know my mother doesn't want me either.

I wait until my father's all but drunk himself to death, it's around 0100 in the morning before he's passed out on the couch, empty bottles on the coffee table. I cling tightly onto my backpack, walking to the front door as quietly as possible, opening the door slowly before sliding into the hallway and closing it with a dull 'click.'

The ride down was eerie, and it became even more so when I exited the apartment building. The darkness enveloping New York made the environment look quite scary, especially with only the light from the full moon and some blinking lamp posts to light my way. There was still some people out walking, most were either drunk or homeless, so I tried to pass by silently and unnoticed; my goal is to reach the airport before sunrise and buy a ticket out of the country, anywhere as long as it's not here.

I would've preferred to hail a taxi, but I can't risk not having the funds to afford a ticket, though neither of my parents want me, they still have an obligation to find me. Since I'll be paying for the flight in cash, there'll be no tracking where I went, unless the person selling me the ticket remembers my name, face, and flight destination; but I highly doubt they'll check the airports first.

When I finally arrive, the sun is just beginning to raise above the horizon, the streets are getting a little more busy with 6am traffic, and there is now light foot traffic along the sidewalks. 

I was coming up on the airport, I can tell because the planes kept getting louder and louder. I'd been thinking during my entire walk on where I wanted to go, it would be suspicious for a 12 year old to ask what flights are available to anywhere, especially without an adult present. 

I've chosen to go to Germany because I've always loved the language and have wanted to visit since I was 5; I've also formulated a story should I be asked any questions. I'm going to say that I'll be visiting family in Cochem, Germany. I remember reading about that beautiful place in a travel magazine, it looked nice enough and I also can't remember any other place. If they want more info, I'll say I'm specifically visiting my Uncle who lives there, that I'll be staying there for the summer. They shouldn't be asking much after that though, so I should be all good.

I push open the terminal doors, and immediately locate the booth where you can purchase a ticket. The lady behind the desk looks nice, she sounds polite as she finishes up talking with another employee before turning to me. She looks a little surprised to see just me, but she quickly recovers.

"Hello, how can I help you?" She questions sweetly.

"Hi there, I was wondering if you have any flights today heading over to Cochem, Germany?" I respond, I try to sound mature, but I'm not sure if it worked as I notice her raise her eyebrow humorously.

"Well, let me check real quick." She clicks a few times on her computer, tilting her head as she shuffles.

"There aren't any flights to Cochem since they don't have an airport." She states.

"What does that mean?" I ask, scrunching my eyebrows as I think my plan may be ruined.

"It just means we find the closest airport to their, and that looks to be Frankfurt Hahn Airport; it's only about 15 miles away." She states nonchalantly, but I'm sighing internally. 15 miles, after how long of a flight? I'll need to get a map too if I don't want to get lost.

"We have a flight leaving at around 0900 with a few seat openings." She continues, showing me the available seats.

"Alright, that works." I state, handing her the cash for the ticket, waiting as she prints it out and hands it to me. I smile in thanks before wandering off to check in and head to my boarding area, I've got a while before my flight, so I guess I'll make myself comfortable.

I don't remember the flight too well, I mainly slept through the flight, having sparse moments of wakefulness when they brought us food and drinks. The people I was seated beside were a kindly older couple, they kept me company and checked in on me; I think they just saw a child alone on the flight and wanted to make sure I wasn't scared or anything.

They would try to talk with me, but I think they realized how tired I was and just let me sleep. They were rather nice, even walking with me off the plane before they separated to go to baggage claim; I didn't need to as I only had my carry-on.

I quickly bought a map from the convenience shop in the airport before heading off on my trek, its around 5am and the sun has yet to rise. The temperature is around 60ºF, so I'm not too cold, I actually welcome the chill as the movement will warm me up in no time.

_______

I've been in Cochem for around 3 weeks now, and I must say that I really should have thought this through. I swapped all my USD over into euros, but I barely have enough to afford food everyday, not to mention I have no place to stay, hotels are far to expensive to even think of. Learning german has also been more complicated than I thought, I assumed it would be easier since I'm immersed in the culture, but it's all just been one big shock for both my body and mind.

Some of the shop owners have started to recognize me; I think they have their assumptions and know I'm homeless, sometimes they'll give me something to eat free of charge. I also can't risk speaking to them in english, I can't risk anyone knowing I'm from the United States, that would only heighten their suspicion on why I'm here instead of in the US. So, for the time being, I'll just have to come off as mute until I learn the language.

_______

It's been a particularly harsh past few days, the temperature has been dropping lower than usual, and my deteriorating clothes haven't been doing much to conserve my body heat. The local children have also taken to terrorizing me, I think they've been making fun of my clothing and muteness (I am now able to mostly understand them after some tutoring from a friendly shop owner).

Sometimes, they'll try to grab my bag, I've had a group of them chase after me just because I wouldn't let them steal my backpack. Their parents either don't notice or don't care, either way, I'm on my own.

They haven't caught me yet, and I can't say what they would do to me if they did. Would they just grab my bag and leave? Or would they want to hurt me for having the audacity to run? Maybe they just chase me because they find it funny, or maybe I have good reason to evade them?

It was actually during one of these chases that I ran into the man that would come to replace my father over time.

It was routine at this point, a group of 6 or so kids would spot me and give chase, I would see them coming and take off.  So far so good, I'm dodging the adults that go on with their lives, trying not to get hit by cars as I sprint across the road.

I'm doing really good actually, I turn around to catch a glimpse of them, they got stopped at the road by passing traffic, yes!

I look forward just as I turn a corner, running straight into someone, they are larger than me, barely being affected by the collision. I, however, had toppled down to the ground , scraping up my palms on the ground as the flail out to catch me.

Tears well in my eyes at the stinging pain, I can feel as the grit and dirt dig into the wounds as they rub against the cobblestone. I quickly glance up and see a tall man with short blonde hair, his eyes are a striking blue; they make me think of my father's eyes, how his aren't as striking as this man's.

I observe his expression, his eyes widen only slightly, showing his surprise about being barreled into so unexpectedly. He looks very professional in what I can best describe as a business casual suit, but something about him makes him seem like more than what he shows. This strange man, he holds an air of authority, power, I could almost describe him as threatening.

My thoughts are drawn away by the trampled footsteps behind me. I quickly scramble up from the floor, ignoring the pain in my hands as I snap my gaze to the corner I had rounded. I look just as the others come around, they halt as well at the sight of me and this adult. 

I lock eyes with the groups leader and immediately begin sprinting down the road, I can hear them giving chase immediately, shouting that no one cares enough about me to help. The tears already welled up in my eyes begin to cascade down my face; they're right, not even my own family wanted, how could I expect that strangers from a different country would want me either?

In my moments of self-pity, I step into a crevice, I was unprepared for the change in level and feel my knee giving out. I tumble to the ground in a flurry, scraping my limbs against the harsh ground. I curse at myself, attempting to stand, but this fall may have done me in, my legs feel like they are on fire, and my left ankle feels heavy and stiff, as though it was being strangled.

Looking up, I notice that I've fallen in a rather secluded area of town, almost no foot traffic here at all, so these miscreants will have a field day, I wonder what they'll actually do now that they've finally caught me.

They surround me, two of them ripping my backpack from me despite my struggle to keep hold of it. The leader marches forward and shoves me, allowing them to grab the bag away. They unzip it before turning it upside down, shaking everything out onto the floor.

We watch as clothes, food, paper and pens tumble out. They look disappointed when nothing else appears, what were they expecting, cash? As if I have any left...

The leader and his lackeys roughly lift me from the ground, having to hold me up since my legs have stopped functioning. Just as they're about to speak, a stern voice erupts from behind them.

"Aufhören (Stop)." They all freeze, the boys looking back to see who interrupted them. I look as well, though it took a lot of effort.

There, standing imposingly a few steps away is the man with the blue eyes, I ran into him, what is he doing stopping these boys from hurting me?

"Was (What)?" The leader questions, he tries to sound stern as well, but I can see him shrinking away when the man steps closer.

"Verpisst euch, lauft zu euren Müttern (Fuck off, go run to your mothers)." He growls in a deep tone, I can feel the disgust in his voice when speaking to these boys. 

They apparently don't need to be told twice, they release me, allowing me to crumple to the floor as they bolt away in the opposite direction. I feel dazed after everything that happened, but looking down at the ground, I can't help but feel despair swelling in my throat. Among the content of my bag was a picture of me and my parents, they're smiling and happy, and so was I. That was our last photo together before the fighting started again.

I reach out and grab the crumpled photograph, gently bringing it up so I could cradle it. I glance at the stranger as he steps closer before kneeling down. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't for him to begin collecting my belongings and putting them back into my bag. 

I can tell he has his suspicions upon viewing my dirty clothing, the toothpaste and toothbrush, as well as the bits of old food wrapped up for later. He finishes zipping up the bag before gently placing it in front of me.

"Wo ist deine Mutter? Dein Vater (Where is your mother? Your father)?" He questions with a concerned tone, I glance into his eyes before quickly looking away. He's very intimidating, even when he's being so nice.

"Weg (Gone)." I reply solemnly. My parents may not be dead, but I don't plan on ever going back, they're better off without me.

"Nun, wer ist für Sie zuständig (Well, who is responsible for you)?" He asks again, hoping that someone is out there looking after me. I sadly, can't give him that answer, it would be wrong to lie to the man who saved me.

"Nur ich (Only me)." I respond, avoiding eye contact at all costs. I'm terrified, what if he turns me into the authorities, or puts me in an orphanage? Or worse, what if he takes me back to New York! 

"Nur Sie? Hier draußen (Just you? Out here)?" He sounds shocked, his eyebrows scrunch up in worry, a distant look appearing in his eyes. He tilts his head in thought, of what, I'm unsure. He stands abruptly, and I'm sure he's going to leave, allow me to be alone again; but I'm the shocked one now when I notice his outstretched his hand.

I analyze it for a few seconds, wondering whether I should accept it, what happens if I do accept it? Is this a mere action of kindness before leaving me, or will this lead to more actions occurring? So many questions in my head silenced when I reach out and place my hand in his, allowing his firm grip to pull me off the floor. 

My legs are still regaining their senses, but he supports me as I try to remember how to stand. I look down at my legs and notice the scrapes and cuts along them, mostly localized around my knees as they are what I fell on during my tumble. I shift my gaze up to my hands, they are so small against his,  knuckles scraped and bleeding from sliding against the ground.

I tilt my head at them, so many injuries in such a short span of time, how will I fix them? I don't have any bandages on me, and I certainly can't afford to buy any.

"Komm, ich bringe das in Ordnung (Come on, I'll fix it)." I just nod my head, who am I to rebuke against his orders, especially after how he's treated me?

"Wie ist Ihr Name (What is your name)?" My words are slow as I try to remember what to say, I am doing better at understanding what is being said, but have trouble speaking the language. I can see the man raise an eyebrow, I almost think he won't answer me.

" Simon. Und du (Simon. And you)?" He states, walking with me through the town market, grasping my hand tighter when he notices the group of boys that had been terrorizing me cross the street.

"Y/N." I respond quietly, it's almost a whisper. It's been so long since I've spoken, let alone this much; I haven't said my name once during my stay here, so it's a strange feeling.

_______

After that day, Simon took me in, cleaned my wounds and bandaged them, gave me a hot meal to eat, and a room to rest in.

He unofficially adopted me after a year, explaining to me that I'm like a daughter to him, and that he want me to see him as my father. He didn't have to ask though, I've seen him as my father since the day we first met.

The first months were hard if I'm being honest, I had no idea how to act around a father figure, especially not after what happened with my actual dad. I was a lot more skittish, scared of maintaining eye contact, terrified by the slightest raise in his voice. Those behaviors began to melt away when I realized he wouldn't push me away, that he actually invited my company and tried to do things that I enjoyed - such as painting with me, or taking me into nature so I could write poems in the serene environment.

He asked me quite early on who my parents were and what happened. I was afraid that if he knew they were alive, that he would send me back to them; but I never was able to lie to him. I told him the truth about my parents, who they were, why I ran away, etc. He talked to me about it, and actually explained to me the dark history between his brother and my father.

He was empathetic towards me, explaining that he had similar feelings of displacement when he was staying with his family; it felt good having someone that could relate to me. He would reassure me during times of self-hatred, comforting me, stating that I was never the problem, that my parents should've never made me feel that way. He promised me that he will never allow them to treat me like that again.

The adoption was a quiet affair, he had documents for me falsified so that it stated I was a German citizen that he adopted out of the orphanage.

Yes, I know they were falsified, and I know all about his side of business; he told me the night beforehand what type of person he was, as well as the types of jobs he does. I'll admit, he caught me off guard since he's quite amiable, but I suppose everyone has sides that no one understands.

Some of his close friends that he works with were there to witness my adoption, they were polite and friendly as well. I had never felt more accepted in my life than I did when I was with Simo–my father, and I don't plan on ever letting go of this feeling. 

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