Inscryption's Apprentice | Leshy x reader

Why Am I Here?

{Y/N's POV}

         I was humming a song to myself as a scrubbed off the caked-on layers of dirt and grime from the bowls and pots. 'Why am I here? Surely this has to be some sort of hyperrealistic dream that I'm stuck in. Maybe a coma? No. It can't be either of those. I can feel everything so clearly, especially my leg. This shit hurts like a motherfucker lol,' I internally laughed at my own mental commentary; something that I was not unfamiliar with. 

         I don't have any friends. Well, that's not entirely true- I have one friend, and her name is Grace. We are only friends by chance, though, because we happened to end up in the same dorm room for college. I like Grace; I never knew that I could have a friend so similar to myself in terms of family life, hobbies, humor, etc. 

         Back in middle school, I had developed severe social anxiety. I would experience nausea because of it nearly every single day before my classes began. I would experience that same queasiness accompanied by actual vomiting in the school bathrooms before any presentations that I had. Everything felt wrong and I just couldn't keep up with everyone else and the few friends I had. I would hear them talk about how they didn't want to invite me to hang out because I would just be anxious and paranoid the whole time about the drinking and smoking. To be fair, they were right. I could never do any of the "cool" things because I was too scared. Plus, both sides of my family have a strong history of substance abuse, and I was scared that I would turn out like them. 

         Anyways- Once high school rolled around, I withdrew from public school and started online classes. At first, it was great! I could create my own class schedules, I no longer had to present, and I didn't have to have any more uncomfortable run-ins with friends. But... I became a recluse. I no longer left my house unless it was to help my mom at the grocery store or see some family members (which was also a struggle for me). My social anxiety may have been halted for some time, but my depression had worsened. 

         I would often self-harm, and there were multiple times in which I had tried to kill myself, but I could never go through with it. I always had just this little spark of hope left in me. Maybe things will get better one day. Maybe I will finally be happy. And I was right! Sort of. 

         I am currently a nineteen-year-old freshman in my first year of college. I don't have time to be as depressed when I'm overwhelmed with homework, projects, exams, you name it. And, of course, I have Grace. She is the first person I ever cried with, failed classes with, truly bonded with, etc. We even get drunk alone and wander around our apartment building She is one of the very few things that keep me sane nowadays. Sadly, she is moving away. She has issues of her own and cannot stay in school. I will be alone again. I will have no one. 

         'Now maybe THAT is why I'm here. This is revenge from the universe for wasting my life potential! Heheh,' I stood in a powerful stance and smiled smugly to myself for perhaps figuring out this grand mystery. Meanwhile...

{3rd Person POV}

         "Now what the hell are they doing out there..." Leshy said as he looked from the window at Y/N, who was clearly having a heated internal conversation with themselves. 

         Leshy went over to his chair at the table and picked up an old bag made from animal pelts and headed outside. "Apprentice. I am going into the town to buy some tools and food. I'm sure you're probably hungry."

         He was right. It wasn't until he pointed it out that Y/N realized that they are starving. "Okay! Can I come with you?" They said with a wide smile on their face. 

         "No," Leshy bluntly responded. "I don't want any attention drawn to either of us." He began to walk down his path, but Y/N followed behind.

         "Why not? If I'm gonna be completely honest, I don't think you know what food to buy. You don't have any food in your home, at all, so I will make the bold assumption that you rarely ever eat. What if you come back with a bag of rocks and tree bark and claim that it's food?" They tried to make their voice sound serious and concerned for their own health. In reality, Y/N does not care what food Leshy brings back and does not think he's dumb enough to grab stuff that's inedible. They just want to go on an adventure. 

         'Humans don't eat tree bark?' Leshy thought to himself. "...Fine. If you get into any trouble, I will snap you in half like a twig." He kept walking and Y/N excitedly followed behind. "Also, why are you talking to me like a friend? I do not know you," Leshy asked. 

         "Well, what's the point of being scared and timid in a time like this? I don't know you either. I don't know anyone here! I might as well make the most of it and be friends with everyone," Y/N beamed in response. Leshy was not a fan of the radiant and happy aura they were exuding. 

         "That's a bad idea. There are a lot of evil creatures and monsters that you should stay away from..." His words trailed off toward the end as if they should've stayed in his mind. 

         Y/N ignored his slight concern. "The power of friendship shall prevail!" They exclaimed with both arms stretched above their head, nearly dropping their support stick. Leshy turned around and lightly (but still painfully) knocked them on the top of their head with his fist. "Quit yelling. If you do this in town people will bother us." 

         The two continued their journey in silence as Y/N looked around and collected some cool rocks that they passed over. The trip was rather long considering the pace at which they had to move because of Y/N's injury. Alas, they made it.