Amaranth

Chapter 3

                                                                                ~Chapter 3~

 Axel and Ama had just come to the country side when they stopped to look around. It was a large open place with winding roads that went as far as the eye could see. Farms were scattered about and a few local diners were around. Cows, chickens, dogs, cats, and birds were the favorites around these parts. The scenery was beautiful with all the green land spreading before them and the clear blue sky, and yet the beauty of mother nature couldn't get off his mind, the terrible incident about his past. Would she look at me the same? Would she think I truly am a....a monster? Am I?His deep thoughts were interrupted by Ama.

"Hey, Axel?"

He grunted in response.

"What was Stanton like when you guys were little?" She asked tentatively.

"Stan? Oh. Well, you see....I didn't come along until we were both around the age of..." He thought for a long moment about horrible memories he wanted only to forget," 10 or 11. He was pretty much a social guy. Had all kinds of friends. They all ignored me...but that was alright."

"Did Stan ever do anything to help you make friends? Or help you in any way ever?" Ama asked with a hint of rage.

"Uh, well...let's just leave that alone. Let's find somewhere to stay for the night alright?"

"Fine." Ama grumbles.

                                                                                      ~*~*~*~

Axel was quiet for the rest of the little trip. He receded back and never offered any conversation, so things were quiet.

"Axel?" Ama asked sleepily.

Axel grunted

"Who am I supposed to meet?"

"Wait" Was all he offered. Ama was angry at his sudden terseness but she accepted it.

God, what will I tell her when we arrive? What will she say? Will she run away? Cry? Hate me? Fear me? Oh, what have I done? Axel thought on as they walked closer and closer to his past, and farther and farther from the horrors of the future for a little while.

 What is it about him tonight? He's soo on edge. Even more resided in his own self than usual. This person must be pretty special, or pretty frightening.Ama tried to visualize a person scary enough to frighten Axel and failed. Maybe not frightening. Must be important. Oh goddess, why do I always have the crazies all the time? Ama started at a noise in the woods.

"H-h-hello...?" Ama said softly. nothing responded but the wind whipping through the trees.

"I-i-is anyone there?" Ama said a little more frantically. It was eerie. The night was freezing, the sky, black. No moon. No stars. the campfire was dwindling out. She could feel it. The presence of another being, like a prickle on her neck. She whipped her head around and looked directly behind her. What she saw, she screamed at.

                                                                                   ~*~*~*~

Axel woke witha start. He was breathing heavily and drenched in sweat. He peered around himself. He almost went back to sleep but realized that Ama wasn't next to him anymore. Where is she?!?!? She better not have wondered off on her own....Axel sets out nervously looking for Ama without a clue as to where he was headed. It was almost dawn.....