Of Two Worlds
A young man is made to live in a whole new world, and makes a new friend.
The trees flew by, rays of sunshine occasionally penetrating the glass window of the old pick up. As time passed, the roads became narrower and narrower until there was no road, but a simple path of dirt. The seventeen year old sighed as small fists raids his back.
"Let's play a game Jake!" His eight year old sister demanded with an impatient, annoying tone. Her shrill voice and actions started to get the better of him. He turned around to glare at her but something stopped him.
"Why don't you play with your doll Susan?" His father said with his usual soothing voice, giving the girl something to distract her with. The man behind the steering wheel was wearing a polo shirt and jeans. Susan's new distraction managed to stop Jake's anger and annoyance from erupting and doing something that he might regret later.
Jake turned around silently, not giving his sister any attention, sighing as he stared back outside the window at the still passing trees. "Whatever."
The scenery began to change dramatically as the hours past, buildings turned into small farms and barren landscape turned into dazzling golden plains and trees. The car drove silently across the small dirt road, all windows opened to let the cool breeze in. His sister was sleeping beside him, leaning onto her brother's back and drooling on his shirt. Jake didn't mind though, something about the scenery had slowly captivated the boy as it sped past. The soft rustle of the leaves as hollow wind swept through the forest and the sweet smelling scent of fresh leaves relaxed him further. This was a dramatic change from what he was used to. In the city where he used to live, the air was polluted and dirty and trees were scarce. Buildings cramped the scenery instead of plants and this was a good change of surroundings. Jake always wanted to go somewhere where he could be closer to Mother Nature, he didn't want to be stuck in a small cubicle and work a stressful job day and night. He'd rather spend his whole day on a farm.
"Here we are. This is our stop."
My dad tried to act excited, but I can read his face easily. He's just as upset as me after seeing what we're going to be staying in. An old wooden house filled with termites that could go down at any second. It was a death trap.
Jake's father stepped out of the car, still opening the door for Susan to get out. The little girl wouldn't mind staying anywhere as long as there are things to play with.
I stepped out of the car, briefly stretching my aching body while observing this shack before turning back to retrieve my belongings. Father and Mother got divorced a while ago. We were left with almost nothing after she left. Dad tried to convince my mom to take my sister with her but the bitch wouldn't listen. She'll be too busy bearing that pig's babies to care for her own child. This is the house that supposedly belonged to my granddad but it was left for us after he died, my grandma's staying at a mental hospital, my father used to say she started acting crazy one night, no one knows why. I think it's because my grandpa secretly beat her, explained the wounds on her frail body, and without that kind of treatment, she lost her grasp on reality.
The door was open and my sister was already running around the house. She can't sit still even if I tie her up I bet. When I got in I closed the door and locked it, better be safe in case some bears live around these woods. The living room was pretty decent at least, a small couch, a coffee table and other perks. The walls are still good, made of oak I suppose. It seemed the outside was really the only part of the house that looked bad, the inside was in order and seemed healthy. I went straight to the kitchen where my dad is after I took my time looking around.
"Hey dad, where's my room?" I asked him as he tried to work with the rusty faucet. Okay, apparently not everything was in order.
"It's just at the end of the hall. Susan will be sleeping with me. The room's all yours." he said, some signs of water finally showed. My dad couldn't help but smile at his work.
The hallway was dimly lit, the light bulbs are out. I better mention it to my dad so he could replace it later. I settle my bag down on the table and assess my room. Small; that word appeared inside my head almost instantly. The small room I'm assigned to has only a small single bed, a table, a wardrobe. Quite barren I must say, but I should be grateful that the lamp works.
It was around noon when we settled in the small house or shack would be for better word. Father miraculously fixed us a banquet. Steaks for everyone and some mash potatoes even. Father and Susan can't stop talking during the meal. My sister was too excited to stay still either, constantly wiggling in her seat.
"The house is amazing dad! I bet there's a ghost here!"
"Well I hope it's a nice ghost." my dad replied. I'm amazed how he could withstand such a tremendous power house like my sister.
"Hey dad, can I go out, check the woods?" I said after finishing the meal, it was delicious I had to admit.
"You better be back before six." he replied, giving me a stare.
"Yea, I'll keep that in mind..." I rushed out of our little shack, feeling a bit excited actually. I get to spend time away from that place. My shoes made a lot of noise, crunching the dried leaves. At one point I was afraid that a bear might suddenly lunge at me because I was so loud but after a while nothing happened so I just ignored the sounds I make, recklessly bounding around. The trees here must be very old, they're huge and their branches almost blocked every light from reaching down. My brief expedition felt nice and relaxing, I sat at a rock and watched the leaves dance as the wind blew. I could stay here forever. After sometime of deciding if I should lay on the rock because I would be completely vulnerable to hungry predators I finally lay my exhausted body on the warm surface. After all, it didn't seem like there was anything out here to be worried about. My brown hair moved lazily as more wind blew, the sun felt good against my skin. I decided to close my eyes for a moment to nap. It was almost 6 when I woke and I hurried back to my humble shack, barely minutes before my dad would rape my ears with words.
Dinner was uneventful, surprisingly my little sister kept silent. Later I learned that she had broken one of the lamps from running around and dad has told her to be silent and still. I crept to my room, my belly full with more steak and mash potatoes. I grabbed a towel from my bag and went to the bathroom next to my room. Dad has brought water to the house after fixing the plumbing, praise the heavens. With a cough the shower head spouted water. I stripped of my dirty clothes before going under the pouring water. I rinse my body thoroughly before applying soap to my skin and rinsing again. I turn off the water and grab my towel, wrapping it around my waist before I head to my room, not forgetting to check myself out on the mirror along the way. I need to get some more muscle it seemed. My dad had changed the bed sheet thankfully. I swear the old one was so dusty I could eat dust while I sleep. I dried myself properly before putting on underwear and tried to sleep. Today was a tiring day so I didn't have trouble sleeping.
Morning came. I was awakened by a loud sound which appears to be my sister running around the hall. I could smell bacon from the kitchen which means breakfast is ready. I put on a plain white t-shirt and a pair of short pants, and tidied my messy hair a bit before going down.
"Jake! Did you find anything in the woods yesterday?" My sister asked while I stuffed my mouth with tasty bacons.
"Oh yes, I found a bear. Little girls shouldn't go to woods that have hungry bears."
My dad stared, I could see that he's not really enjoying my joke and I stayed quiet during the rest of the meal. I decided to get out to the woods again since there's nothing better to do. I start school next month at the town nearby. I managed to see the small town along the way here, it was kinda nice I suppose.
I remembered the path I took yesterday, the scenery was just as beautiful as I remembered. I found the rock that I took a nap on yesterday and so I decided to venture deeper. I moved slightly downhill and ended on the edges of a lake. The water seemed nice but it was too chilly to take a dip so I just strolled on the edges, dirtying my shoe soles with mud. The skies were clear and the sun was shining brightly above, the lake was stunning, water so clean that it sparkles as the sunlight hit its surface. I found a patch of grass to lie on and slowly drift away again, surrounded by nature. I didn't care about anything else in the world anymore.
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It has been a week now since I moved in. My dad cleaned the whole house and fixed everything he could. 4 days ago we decided to drive to town. Dad found a job as a cashier while we bought groceries, our fridge was almost empty. He leaves each morning, makes me lunch and breakfast and would get home before 7. Susan came with him to town everyday while I go out venturing the woods. I made sure to lock the door properly before leaving. I would bring my backpack filled with my lunch and head off to the woods. I ventured deeper as days passed, found a cave just three days ago and remembering to steer clear from it. Guess there's a chance that a bear lives there. I began to spot wild animals, squirrels at first but lately rabbits and some foxes as well. I could feel myself getting stronger too, getting more muscle, noticed it in the mirror each night. I'm beginning to think that the wood is my sanctuary, nice and free.
"Well we've stayed here for almost two weeks. I've got a job and Susan has met some friends. I think staying here is not bad." Dad said as we eat our dinner one night. I have to agree that I don't mind living here now that I've grown attached to my sanctuary.
Everyone has fallen asleep... I get off my bed and tiptoed across the room to get my jacket and jeans. I've been planning to get out to the woods at night, see how it's like there. I opened my window and snuck out of my bedroom. The cold struck me suddenly, my body shivering, my jacket wasn't enough to protect me from the harsh cold wind but I push on. I walked a little blindly in the dark until I reached the lake. The heavens above seemed like a painting coming to life, stuffs I only read in books or see on TV. I sat down on the grass, not minding the cold anymore as the stars took my breath away. I decided to lie on the grass mattress, staring above, dazzled. I wasn't thinking about anything else until I heard a twig snap, my instinct kicked in and I get to my feet as quickly as I could. It was coming from the woods, a space too dark for my eyes to see. My legs felt like they're melting away right now, too scared to move. I let out a soft whisper, gradually increasing my voice "I-is someone there...? Hello?"
Suddenly, I was knocked down to the ground. Instantly I felt my head spinning from the collision, I panicked and tried to move around but I realized I was pinned down by a large, hungry bear. It growled, opening its mouth to show his razor sharp teeth. I tried to scream but my throat felt dry, nothing came out. It was getting harder to breathe as its paw presses hard on my chest, I began gasping for air and tears rolled down my eyes. I was done for, my entire life ending right now...being a dinner for a bear. I accepted my fate, hoped that it would end as quickly and with less pain as possible until I hear a ground shaking howl coming from the woods, it sounded angry. I was being pinned down by a bear but moments later something tackled the bear, knocking it to the ground and snarling madly. I tried not to choke on my own tears and breath, my head felt light and I could feel my consciousness begin to slip away. I turn my head to the side and saw something that came out of a fairy tale. I saw a werewolf. Pitch black fur covered its entire body, the figure of which showed the pure muscle that hid under the fur and skin. Pointed ears instead of normal human ears stood on its head, and a long muzzle ending in a large black nose.
Before everything went dark and hazy I saw the bear escaping, wounded and beaten down, and sad compassionate eyes staring down at me. Was it meant for me? Or was I just thinking things, but for now I just want to fall into darkness and be disconnected from reality. I'm tired.
Is this real, or was it just my imagination? I must be going crazy. This must not be happening, I can't work out everything. Especially what that gaze meant, it haunted me in my sleep, couldn't shake the image away. Now I lay motionless on the cold stone bed, covered in blanket, I don't know what it was made off. I stared into the ceiling, I remembered it, it was the cave I found during my exploring, hidden away and quite far from my current house. If only I didn't slip out that night. I didn't know how long I had passed out, but I do know I've been only awake for minutes. My body felt numb, the impact must be worse than I had thought. I can't move my arms and legs, I feel weak. The air was cold and judging by the light outside I think it would be sometime between 1 to 3 pm. I crave desperately for water, a sip to quench my thirst. I could hear something coming suddenly, the sound of dry leaves crunching coming from the entrance of the cave. I don't know who was coming, or what was coming until I saw that familiar face from my dreams. Guess it was real. I didn't trip and hit my head. The wolf man was carrying a bowl which I think is filled with water from the lake. He sat beside me and held the bowl close to my parched lips and slowly let me drink the sweet, cold water. I drank almost all of the water and felt a bit bad for only leaving it some to drink but the creature didn't seem to mind. He sat down on the floor at the other end of the cave and observed me, I didn't like it. My heart was racing with both fear and anxiousness.
"Can you speak?" I finally decide to speak to the creature, hoping it would understand human tongue.
"Yes, I can." it replied casually. There was some silence between us before he decided to open its mouth again. "You've been unconscious for a few days. That bear did a lot of damage."
A few days....fuck! My dad and sister must be worried sick. I must get back to them but how am I going to explain this all. I'm screwed, there's no way I can untangle this mess.
"You seem to be bothered," the creature said. "Are you worried about your family?"
"Yes, I must get back to them as quickly as possible." I tried to climb off the stone bed. My effort seemed futile, my body refused to move.
"You need more rest." he replied calmly, standing up and leaving me for a second before returning with some berries. "Eat. This will help you regain your strength."
"I'm sorry...I didn't ask for your name, I'm guessing that you saved me huh? I'm Jake by the way." I saw those sad eyes again for a moment.
"My name is Annuwyn. Aren't you afraid of me?" His ears are dropping. I used to have a dog and he used to do the same expression when he's anxious.
"Well...sort of." that seemed to hurt him a little as I heard a soft whimper. "But you saved my life and so far you turned out to be good so I don't think you're bad, Annuwyn." I could see his facial expression brightened after my speech. We didn't say anything much after, I ate the berries and went back to sleep while he does his business.
"Why did you save me?" It was the morning after when I next spoke. I felt better and able to move my body properly now.
"I've watched you for a while, coming into the woods and exploring. I think it was a...shame if you're gone, I rarely get visitors, even though I only watch them." he replied.
I could imagine, being a creature like him. People would have rejected him and that's probably why he kept a safe distance, guess I'm weird for liking his company.
"Come sit beside me Annuwyn." I said to the werewolf while tapping the stone bed, I wanted to inspect him further. Annuwyn carried out my request, setting in beside with his legs crossed. Having a werewolf sitting beside you feels weird and exciting somehow, I couldn't help but stare at him. "So what are you Annuwyn?"
"I am what you humans call a werewolf but in my tongue we're called O-K'avi. We have been hiding and live in seclusion from your kind. Past events have taught us to do so." I could hear him sniffing the air, probably acknowledging my scent.
"Then why did you save me then? You could have turned a blind eye on me."
"Because you seem different, there's something in your scent that I like." his tail started to wag a little, which was actually the first time I noticed he had one.
"I see...so it's because of my scent? Do you like the soap I'm using?"
Annuwyn chuckled, leaned in close to my cheek and sniffed some more, "No. It's not your soap it's the way you smell. I can't put it to words". I blushed, feeling him so close made me a bit uncomfortable. But he didn't seem to mind me and stayed in that position for a while before withdrawing.
"This is a weird request but...can I touch you? Not in a weird way I mean..." I couldn't help but blush still. "You don't have to let me though."
The werewolf seems a bit intrigued. "I don't see why not." he said with a smile.
My hand moved swiftly across his arms, stroking gently and carefully. His soft fur felt nice, warm and fluffy like a blanket. I could feel his muscle concealed beneath the layer of fur, slowly relaxing to my touch, but big and thick enough to hold immense power. I gave it a few squeezes to test the toughness of the muscle, unable to really make any indents on the fur or skin, there was little fat there if any. After I had enough I withdrew my hand , smiling sheepishly at him and made a comment about his fur.
"Your fur, it's warm and soft..."
Annuwyn seems to be delighted, his tail started to wag again. He seems like a little pup at this point except the fact that he's huge and muscular. No puppy is huge and muscular, but he's cute I have to admit.
"And your hands are gentle Jake." he grabbed my hand and gave it a little squeeze, his large wolfish paw felt odd against my skin. We were both in a nice mood as we spent the next few minutes just smiling to each other, we were both captivated by each other's presence.
"So where do you come from Annuwyn, and why are you here?" I asked him. He seems a bit reluctant to answer my question, he let go of my hand and settled in on my lap.
"My kind, the O-k'avi has lived on earth just like your human ancestors. We have been hiding from humans for centuries because they can't except what we are. And as for why I'm here, I... fled from my pack because another pack attacked us, I have no choice but to escape for my survival. I have fled for about a year now and I ended up here about 3 months ago." his expression changed dramaticly, his face showing pain and regret. Not knowing what else I could do I held his paw with both hands.
"I'm sorry about what had happened Annuwyn...I shouldn't have asked" I sighed and try to comfort him, worried about my new friend.
"no, its alright Jake. I'll be fine" he took a deep breath before a smile reforms on his muzzle, his eyes seems to be locked to mine.
"I'm glad.." I couldn't help but smile as well, giving his paw a gentle squeeze before letting it go
The werewolf and I spent all afternoon talking, I taught him how to properly greet someone here on Earth, he told me it was stupid and that there's no point in shaking another person's hand.
"We O-k'avi greet by sniffing each other, by exchanging scents we're able to memorize someone, the first time you met someone you'll remember their unique smell for later if you met again."
I kept it to myself but I think it's just as stupid. Like a pair of dogs you see on the street sniffing each other's butt. He went out to gather more food for the both of us while I stayed at the cave. The berries weren't much but it prevented me from being hungry. I could feel the winds getting colder, winter must be coming. Time flied, it was dark. I was getting ready to sleep, getting under the blanket and saying goodnight to my friend. I need to go home first thing in the morning, the longer I stayed here the more trouble I've let myself fall into.
"Hey, Annuwyn, I have to go back tomorrow alright?" I look over to him, he seemed sad to hear it.
"All right. I don't have any reason to keep you here." He sighed and returned my gaze, ears flat against his head and tail tucked between his legs.
"Hey, I'll be visiting you again. You won't even have time to miss me." I gave off a little chuckle, smiling at the wolf.
"I promise. I'll be back again, I've had a nice time here." he seemed to be a little delighted at the prospect that I'll be back. I said goodnight to him before I closed my eyes, huddled beneath the warm blanket, slowly drifting to sleep.
End of Chapter 1