I still believe

Chapter 1

To the readers: This story doesn't make a strong precedence on humor, although humor will be present. I put it down as 'spiritual' because 'Christianity' is not a category. It is an allegory; sort of like Pilgrim's Progress. I am not copying Pilgrim's Progress, this is an original allegory. The song 'I still believe' will be frequently mentioned, it is sung by Jeremy Camp. To God be all the glory.

Chapter 1—Set Me Free

"I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin."—John 8:34 (NIV)

"You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."—John 8:32 (NIV)

Set Me Free

From the Chains Holding Me

Is anybody out there hearing me?

Set Me Free

—Set Me Free, Casting Crowns

The forests are considered peaceful places; particularly at night, when the nighttime creatures sing their songs and most beings are sleeping instead of disturbing the natural quietness. So it stood to reason that the lone figure darting through these woods, out of breath and seemingly terrified of something he could not see, would be considered out of place.

The man was an ebony black hedgehog with red stripes and crimson eyes that bore the look of a hunted animal desperate to escape. He wore black, medieval-type armor that seemed to be even darker than the nighttime air about him; his sword, which literally radiated yet more darkness, was drawn as if to ward off his invisible pursuer. Yet the most unique thing about his wardrobe was a thick band around his neck, almost like a necklace but considerably wider and heavier than said piece of jewelry, that was glowing red very faintly around the edges.

Although some of you might think that this medieval persona was called Lancelot; sadly, I must correct you. Lancelot, while a fine medieval fighter and a cool guy, was certainly not a black hedgehog, despite what certain recent video games might say. Most video games are generally works of fiction; and besides, the idea of turning the Knights of King Arthur's court into animals was probably not a very bright one.

Besides, I don't think Lancelot would be so intent on evading a pursuer that he tripped over a root and fell flat on his face, like the young hedgehog we are currently observing has just done. Although it would probably be amusing to watch.

Thinking some very unclean thoughts, the hedgehog quickly pushed himself up and regained the sword he had dropped and scrambled back to his feet, his wide eyes frantically searching the woods behind him, to ensure himself that his fall had not been heard by the person or persons he was running from. Reasonably assured that he was still safe, he turned back towards his previous destination—

—and froze as he stared into cruel, heartless, glowing lime-green eyes.

"There you are, Shadow," the owner of said eyes whispered, his voice sounding soft and melodious. He was also wearing black medieval armor; and though one might not think it possible, it was even more dark and foreboding than the outfit currently worn by Shadow—for that's the name of the hedgehog we were observing earlier. But unlike Shadow's, this creature's armor was also adorned with a large red image of a dragon upon his chest. The dragon was the color of blood, and it's mouth was open as if to swallow an unfortunate victim whole.