The Forest's Secret

Act 6 | School Life Hell | Part 4

Ash walked to the doors finally happy that school was over. He could finally take this stupid uniform off and go explore that forest. He was desperate to find out more about this strange mark and that Feralim. That Feralim couldn't be a real guardian. I mean what guardian would attack a boy in the forest in the dead of night? It just doesn't seem right to Ash.

The thoughts whirl around in Ash's head ranging from different topics on this Feralim the only thing that brought him out of his thoughts was a paper ball that hit the back of his head. He knew who threw the paper.

Micheal.

Micheal stood there with his usual smug look.

"What was that for...?" Ash asked with a hint of annoyance. He was sick and tired of Micheal's constant teasing and tricks.

Micheal smirked, his voice dripping with condescension. "Cause you're always such a good show. You're like a circus act that never gets old. Tell us, Ash, what's the monster's name? Is it Mr. Scary Paws?"

The laughter from Micheal's friends erupted again, and Ash's face burned with embarrassment and frustration. He gritted his teeth, trying to ignore the taunts as he walked past them. He wanted nothing more than to escape the relentless mockery and return to his quest for answers about the forest. He hates school. School life is hell.

As he walked home, the weight of his father's disapproval hung over him. His father's warning from the previous night echoed in his mind, adding to his internal conflict. Ash was torn between his desire to uncover the truth and his reluctance to defy his father's authority.

Upon arriving home, Ash was greeted by the tense silence that had settled over the house. His father was waiting for him in the living room, his expression a mix of worry and sternness.

"Aston," his father began, his tone more measured than before. "We need to talk."

Ash braced himself for another lecture, but to his surprise, his father's voice softened. "I know you're upset, and I know you think I don't understand. But this isn't just about you sneaking out. I'm worried about you. I don't want anything to happen to you."

Ash looked down, his anger melting into guilt. "I know, Dad. I'm sorry. I just... I need to do this. There's something in the forest, and I have to find out what it is."

His father sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You're too young to be dealing with things like this on your own. But if you're determined, you need to be smart about it. Promise me you'll be careful."

Ash nodded, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension. "I promise."

"Can you tell me what's so important in the forest?" His father asked

As much as Ash wanted to. Ash couldn't. he didn't want his father to think that he was crazy or in danger, so he shook his head. "I can't."

His father stayed quiet for a moment before sighing. "Just be safe."

That evening, Ash sat in his room, the glow of the symbol on his wrist a constant reminder of the journey ahead. He knew he couldn't ignore the dangers of the forest, but he also knew he couldn't back down now. The secrets of the forest and the truth about the Feralim were waiting, and Ash was determined to uncover them.

The moonlight bathed the forest in an eerie glow as Ash crept out of his window once again. The path ahead was fraught with danger, but Ash was resolute. The forest's secrets awaited, and he was ready to face whatever lay in the shadows.