Nameless

Chapter 5

Several days had past since I'd come to the knowledge that I had extremely enhanced hearing. I had thought I was crazy. As time went on, I realized it wasn't going away. Everything around me, footsteps, talking, the wind; everything was heard. I certainly wasn't used to it, and unfortunately this had caused migraines to set in.

There was some upsides though. I had never been one to eavesdrop, but now I couldn't help it if I tried. I must say, it was quite entertaining. I learned that you really couldn't trust most people. Some people's where so two faced, I could have sworn they turned into a different person. Being completely nice then stabbing a person in the back two seconds later. I also learned things I didn't want to know.

Gale had apparently moved on. I stood at my locker, intently listening to the conversation taking place at the other end of the hall.

A tall brunet stood leaning against his locker. Her features were fierce but beautiful at the same time. It was sort of comforting to know he wasn't just going after blonde bimbos.

"Gale I know you didn't want to hurt her, but you have to know that it could never have worked out."

"I know. She doesn't have anyone now. Even her foster parents don't really care." He almost looked sorry when he said it.

My eyes widened. where they talking about me? I aimlessly grabbed different books to look busy, while I concentrated.

"She has friends Gale. It's not like she's totally helpless. Besides, you're with me now," she said with a smile.

I knew I was staring, but I didn't care. He thought I was some charity case? His eyebrows shot up in surprise when he caught me staring.

I slammed my locker closed, and made my way to the end of the hall. I all but ran into them, making a beeline for the door. I stormed out if the school, anger rushing through me. Hot tears ran down my cheeks. "Even her foster parents don't really care." Pain erupted in my skull. "You're with me now" Maybe I overused the hearing today.

I started running, hardly seeing anything. I headed for my car, but as it neared I just kept going, Sprinting away from it all. When I hit the edge of the forest, I yanked off my shoes, throwing them into the bushes. I preferred to feel the ground on my feet. It didn't feel the cold. I wasn't sure if it was the state I was in, or something else that kept me from it. I didn't mind.

It felt like hours had passed. By now I had slowed to a jog, my breathing still controlled. I let my feet carry me far away. I hadn't realized where I was going until I reached our spot. It was particularly beautiful this morning. The sun shining off the water, birds singing in delight. Fog hung off in the distance.

All the sudden I knew why I was here. I walked farther out still, past the lake. My surrounding were vaguely familiar as I searched.

Minutes later I stood looking at the large slope that had previously sent me crashing down. I smiled, pleased with myself for being able to find it. I knew I didn't imagine it! Turning around I started to retrace my steps, or really limps. I had to figure out what happened to me.

My path was still there. I was even surprised to find blood still lingering on a bush here and there. I walked for a quarter of a mile or so, still following the trail. I came upon a bush that was flattened out. The first time I fell, I guessed. A few more steps and I found the second spot. This is where it started getting weird. I remembered leaning against a tree and passing out.

I slowly inspected the tree, not believing my eyes. With my hands, I traced the claw marks.

All at once I knew what happened.

*******

"Wake up child. There are far more dangerous things in these woods than me."

I stubbornly kept my eyes closed. I knew the tiger had spoke, but it was easier this way. I was already fading out. A sharp growl erupted out of his mouth, then he was on top of me.

I opened my eyes slightly, knowing I should have been startled. In a few seconds I would be gone, I was fading fast. So in that moment I didn't see the point in reacting, death was approaching. Therefore there was nothing the tiger could do that would change my fate. Had he bitten me I would still die.

Instead, his wise eyes stared into mine. Abruptly, he growled again. Only this time, everything in the forest shook. I could feel its power. We locked eyes once more, more intent than ever before.

I gasped as intense pain took over. I vaguely remember him jumping off of me. The pain of my calf was forgotten, as I took in this new agony that took over. Surly I was going to die. My bones burned as they rearranged themselves. Shrill screams escaped my mouth.

As soon as it had come, it was over. I'm alive! All the discomfort gone. I examined my new form. I was wobbly at first, like a new born calf.

Soon I was flying, sprinting with glee. I ran faster than humanly possible. Maybe even faster than animally possible. I found myself at the lake in seconds.

I admired my new form from the reflection in the water. How was this even possible? My coat was white with black streaks, even more startling where my eyes, electric blue My lips curled over my fangs, in what looked to be a fierce snarl.

I'm a Siberian Tiger.

*******

I smiled, of coarse, it all made sense!! I laughed. I'm not so helpless after all