Washed Away

Chapter 3 - Red Eyes

The moment my Dad stepped out the front door, I rushed to my room and chucked on my walking boots along with my over-sized hoodie, my scarf and extra thick gloves. I hadn't given up on my promise which I made yesterday and I wasn't going to any time soon. I decided to bring Frost along for company, and I took my torch as it was going to get dark quickly.

Once I was finally ready, I stepped out the back door and into the cool evening air. Frost barked like a maniac and ran off, sniffing everywhere and wagging his tail. I was surprised it didn't fall off.

"Frost! Come here boy!" I called when we entered the forest. He immediately obeyed and rushed to my side, his ears pricked up to attention. I gave him a quick pat on the head before heading in deeper, ducking under branches and stepping over decaying logs.

Frost wandered off once or twice but always came bounding back just as I was about to lose sight of him. My surroundings started to become familiar as I approached the river and I kept alert in case Ky showed up. 

The longer I waited, the darker it became and shadows starting creeping up on me but I switched on my torch to try and keep them at bay. I had wondered about trying to find the opening where I'd bumped into Ky, but I was afraid of getting lost as I couldn't remember the route I'd taken exactly. Suddenly, Frost gave a whine and nestled closer to the stump I was sitting on.

"What's up boy?" I cooed, scratching him behind his ears. He whined again and looked at me. I could see terror in his eyes, which set my nerves on edge. I picked him up and cradled him in my arms. 

"It's okay." I whispered, trying to convince myself more than Frost. "It's going to be okay." 

A twig snapped behind me and I span around on the stump to see a pair of red eyes glowing out of the darkness. My heart rate went out of control and I fell off of the stump in fright and onto the cold, hard ground, my torch shutting off. Frost leaped out of my arms and stood in front of me, growling at the eyes. They blinked once before emitting the same growling I'd heard when I was last here.

I scrambled up from the ground and grabbed my torch which had flown out of my hands, desperately trying to switch in back on. The light flickered for a moment before leaving me once again in pitch blackness. 

Suddenly, I heard a yell behind me and I whipped around to see a blaze of light emerge from the dense trees. I raised my arms to protect my eyes and heard a ear-splitting roar of agony from - what I guessed - the eyes but I didn't dare turn around to check. Ever so slowly, the light dimmed and I lowered my arms to stare into friendly and familiar amber eyes.

"You should not be out here this late at night." Ky said, walking over. "It is dangerous." 

"Nice to see you too." I replied sarcastically, stowing my torch in my pocket. Ky shook his head in amusement. 

"Seriously though, it is not safe." 

"I can take care of myself you know." 

"Oh, really? If I remember correctly, that is the second time I have saved your life." 

"Well then, I owe you." I said, just as Frost started growling from behind me. Ky's eyes narrowed as I bent down to calm Frost. 

"Why have you got a wolf with you?" He asked, backing off slightly. 

"Wolf?! When have you ever since a wolf like this?" I laughed. "He's my pet terrier, Frost." 

"A terrier?" He said, sounding confused just as Frost barked at him. He started to draw his dagger out of it's sheath but I stopped him with a don't you dare look. 

"Frost doesn't know who you are, so he's wary." I said. "Hold out your hand." 

Ky looked completely baffled but did what I said, and Frost gingerly sniffed his hand. A few moments later he was licking Ky's hand. Ky instantly withdrew it and whipped it on his trousers while I tried to hold in my laughter. 

"Don't you have pet's where you come from?" I asked. 

"No, my kind keep away from wild animals for safety reasons." Ky explained. "It is most peculiar what your kind do... I have never touched a wol-- terrier before." 

"Well, go ahead and pet him." I suggested. "Go on, he won't bite you now." 

Ky cautiously stroked Frost on the head, in which Frost replied to by wagging his tail and attempting to lick Ky again. 

"He likes you." I said as Ky drew his hand away. 

"I am glad so." He replied, smiling as he watched Frost dig in the ground. We stood there in silence for a few minutes, every so often interrupted by Frost sneezing before I thought of a question. 

"Who was that girl you were with yesterday, when you were outside my house?" I asked. 

"Oh, that was my sister Lena. I told her about you and she was anxious to meet you as she has never met a Human before." He informed me. 

"Human? So I take it--" 

"Yes, I am not Human. My kind are called Tutores de Lumine meaning 'Guardians of the Light' but if it's not plural then it's just Custos de Lumine, or Custos for short." 

"That sounds a lot cooler then being a Human." I said, causing Ky to chuckle. I loved his laugh, it somehow vanquished my fears and worries while making me feel incredibly relaxed. 

"I am envious of you Humans, you have nothing to worry about and do not have to continuously be anxious about defending your home from the Shadows." He sighed. 

"Shadows? What are they?" 

"You had the pleasure of nearly being consumed by one." He said, gesturing behind me. "They feed of fear and grow stronger because of it, until they over-power your mind and consume you. Nothing will be left apart from an empty shell." 

"Sounds something like out of Harry Potter." I mumbled, fidgeting with my hands. 

"Harry Potter?" Ky asked, bewildered. 

"Don't worry." 

I thought about the glowing red eyes and came to the terms with that I'd almost been killed by it, if Ky hadn't saved me. I was interrupted by Frost yawning and suddenly realised how late it had gotten. 

"Oh crap! I was meant to make Dad dinner!" I groaned, slapping my forehead. 

"You make your father dinner? Is that normal?" Ky questioned. 

"It's normal in my family." I said. "Sorry, but I really have to go now. Can I see you again sometime?" 

I mentally face-palmed myself when that question slipped out. Ky, however, didn't seem to mind and grinned. 

"Sure, I would like that. How about tomorrow afternoon at 2pm?" 

"I'll be there, as long as Dad doesn't ground me or anything for being late." 

"Ground? What does--" 

"Sorry, gotta go!" I said, waving in farewell and running out of the forest with Frost at my heels. I didn't check to see if Ky waved back but I caught a bright light out of the corner of my eye and smiled.

For the first time since Mum died, I had finally made a proper friend. Even if he wasn't Human.

*_*_*

Hello again!

Firstly, I want to say Happy Easter and that never again will I attempt to give up chocolate for Lent. I missed it soooooo much! ='(

Anywho, thanks for reading this chapter and I hope you enjoyed it! =D

Don't forget to vote and comment! =P xox