Love of the Howling Wolf

Ch.4 The New World

Aleu's P.O.V

I wake up gasping for air, I look around it's dark just then a ray of sunlight shines through the vines I begin to claw my way out after a while I manage to rip the vines away, I shield my eyes from the sun, I can't remember much everything is a blur maybe if I looked around something will jog my memory. I begin to walk around for someone or something just then I come upon a building I look up at the sign 'Willie's Roadhouse' I tilt my head I've never seen anything like this before curiosity got the best of me I walk up to the Roadhouse stepping inside I look around only to see a young man wiping down tables he stops and looks up at me I gasp this man why does he look so familiar to me. He gives me a small smile and walks towards me.

" Hi, welcome to Willie's Roadhouse can I get you anything?"

" Um, I'm not sure."

" Are you lost?"

" I guess I am, this is all new to me."

" So, you're new in town."

" Yeah, you could say that."

" How about I show you around after I'm done with my shift."

" Yeah, that would be great, um."

" Merrick."

" Aleu, nice to meet you Merrick."

Merrick holds out his hand I take it just then I felt a spark between us I look up at him his blue eyes gazed into mine I felt a blush creep up my face Merrick then looks at me then furrows his brows.

" You look familiar like I know you from somewhere."

I shake my head.

" I don't think so."

Merrick looks at Aleu then looks away thinking to himself he snaps out of his thoughts turning his attention back to Aleu.

" You must be hungry please have a seat."

" I don't have anything on me."

" It's on me."

" Thanks."

" Hey Willie, how about one of your famous roadhouse burgers."

" Coming right up."

I can't help but look at Merrick there's something about him that I can't put my finger on why does he seem so familiar. I glance over at Merrick.

" So, uh how long have you been here?"

" Not long, I needed a place to stay, and Willie let me stay here as long as I help out around here."

" How nice of him."

" What about you, where do you come from?"

" I can't remember everything is a blur."

" Well, if you want maybe I can help you remember."

" You would do that."

" Of course."

Just then Willie comes out with a plate of food. 

" Alright here we are Willie's famous roadhouse burger."

I look at Willie giving him a small smile and nod.

" Thank you."

I pick up the burger looking at it, what strange food I lean in sniffing it Merrick lets out a small laugh I look up at him confused.

" What?"

" Sorry don't mind me it's just I did the same thing when I first saw a burger."

" I've never had something like this before."

" Trust me it tastes amazing."

I hold the burger up to my mouth and take a bite, the burger was very delicious the next thing I know I wolf it down I didn't realize I was starving. Willie then lets Merrick take the rest of the day off he grabs his jacket and turns to me giving me a small smile.

" Ready?"

" I guess so."

Merrick takes me downtown I can't help but stare at everything around me, building as tall as trees, people talking on strange devices, smoke pouring out of buildings, litter in the street this makes my heart sink how could people do such a thing. 

" You alright?"

" Yeah, I'll be alright, it's just a lot to take in."

" I know the feeling; a lot has changed over the years."

" What do you do for fun?"

" I play the flute."

" You play the flute?"

" Yeah, I know silly huh."

" No, not at all."

" What about you, what do you do."

" I'm not sure I didn't have many hobbies growing up, strict parents."

" I'm sorry to hear that."

" It's alright, I was a rebel though, my stepdad hated that I wanted to follow my own dreams he wanted me to quit and give up, but I never did."

" You don't seem to be the type of girl to give up easily."

I let out a small laugh. 

" I'm not."

" Come on I want you to meet my friends."

I follow Merrick into an alleyway he lifts a board out of the way I duck through the hole Merrick is right behind I look back at him he as he presses a symbol, he gives me a small smile just then a light shines down and next thing I know we're in a strange place I look around confused.

" Um where are we, where are you taking me?"

" Come on this way."

I follow Merrick inside my jaw drops, I've never seen anything like it before it was so beautiful.

" Is this your home?"

" In a way yes, it is welcome to the Animarium."

" Animarium?" 

I look at Merrick why does that name seem familiar to me why is everything a blur? I have so many questions. Merrick then leads me to the interior I see someone sitting at the table a blonde-haired woman looks up from reading a book she gives Merrick a small smile.

" Hey stranger, how was work?"

" It was alright, got off early."

" I can see that and who's this, you know the rules."