Secrets.

Uncertainty.

 Chapter 2 - Uncertainty.

   I gasped as I was pulled back by my shoulder and, for a split second, my legs remained kicking in the air, my body not yet comprehending the fact that I was no longer running. Finnally, they touched down on the ground. I squeezed my eyes shut, fearing what was to come next. Minutes ticked away and___ Nothing!

  I peeped out from narrow slits and attempted to assess my situation. Although my feet were once again on the ground, firmly was not a word I'd use to describe them. They were shaking slightly as I trembled in fear. I opened my eyes fully and turned my head, angling to see behind me. And there he was. His hand still firmly holding my shoulder, a smirk playing on his lips and a single eyebrow raised. It was obvious that he was full of contempt for my futile effort. Even I could see that. I took a deep breath. It wouldn't do to make myself look any weaker in front of this stranger. I'd already let him catch me off guard.

   I shook myself. Times like these make you remember what your parents told you when you were younger. "Don't talk to strangers or accept anything they give you."  (I'd just like to point out that for some reason or another, this wasn't a talk I was given. I was given many 'talks' but obviously not one that may have been of use a couple of minutes ago. This situation may be an indication why.) I shut off my inner babble, relaxed myself and forced a smile.

   "I'll give you this: you're fast. Congrats, although I'm guessing you were just toying with me anyway," I raised my eyebrows slightly.

   "Very true. How observent you are!" (See? No way was he anywhere near the age he looked!)

  "A compliment! What I've always wanted from my intended murderer! Dreams do come true!"

   "Who said I was going to kill you?"

   "Not going to do it yourself, eh? Fine. Bring me to your leader!" I mock saluted him.

  He glared at me then, seemingly not impressed with my sarcasm. Or perhaps he didn't like me saying he was the help or something. He shook me slightly and then at last, released his grip. Truthfully, I was relieved and I heaved a sigh of relief, which did not escape his notice. A stupid, arrogant smirk relaced the previous look of displeasure on his face.

   "You pretend to be a lot stronger than you are, more confident. Don't you little girl?"

  "You pretend to be human, so who are you to talk? If you pretend to be strong, people believe you're strong. Confidence is not always key either, mate. It's the way you play the part." I folded my arms and awaited his next retort.

   "True words. Am I not a good actor myself?" He laughed, a sound of humour but one which, from him, rang with an emptiness.

   "You can't hide everything. So, let's go. We have business to attend. Such as brutally murdering me, for a start."

   "So strange. One second, you show fear. And the next... I do not understand you."

   "If it's gonna happen, it's gonna happen. You're faster, and even as a real guy, a hell of a lot stronger than me. Add to that the fact that you're not human and it equals no hope. So, whoever and whatever you are, what are we waiting for?"

   "You don't know what I am?"

   "Not a major concern of mine."

   "Even if I was to tell you that I want to suck your blood?"

   "Please, just please, tell me you don't sparkle in the sunshine or I'm done listening."

   "Twilight reference? You humans are all the same! Exasperating! No, I do not sparkle like some ridiculous fairy! I burn."