Guardian Shifter

Chapter 1

This chapter will be in Emi's POV

-past-

Run. The one word in mind that kept me going. This man, Finn- the definition of evil- was a mercenary. No matter how many times I insisted I didn't know anything, they still seemed to think I knew too much.

They already tortured me! So why in Hell would I even want to tell someone what I- may or may not- know? After all the pain I went through with them, all the cuts across my chest and legs, you'd think I'd never want to mention it. They believed I knew some guy on the island that was Japanese, but I didn't know him. I didn't even know Finn was here!

Bang. He shot my leg. That son of a bitch shot my leg! As if the previous torture wasn't enough.

I kept running until I tripped over a root. Falling face first, I turned around I could see Finn advancing towards me. Someone yanked my arm pulling me upwards, leaving everything behind in a blur. I kicked and struggled until I realized he was running away from the commotion. Oh.

My savior took off running. Apparently, I was too slow cause he picked me up and put me on his back running faster. Well sorry that I was shot in the leg and incapable to move at your pace.

Entering a cave, I was set down against a wall.

"Akin Amari." He spoke, holding out his hand to introduce himself. "Koko de mattete."

I had no idea what he said but I knew it was Japanese. Watching him grab a bow and arrow, I managed to shift into a more comfortable position against the harsh cave wall.

My breathing was harsh, and the adrenalin from before wearing out. The pain was a lot more noticeable know as I looked down at my leg. It was needing a lot, so he must have hit an artery.

Biting my lip, I moved my leggings out of the way so I could get a clear view of the bullet wound. I was lucky to be able to see it. I reached down, trying hard not to cry out and give away the cave.

I'm not an expert but- I doubt Amari would appreciate me giving away his hideout and end up getting us killed.

I reached down putting my index finger and thumb in where the bullet was. My teeth clamped down on my bottom lip to avoid yelling in pain.

Pro tip kid's- don't ever look inside a bullet wound unless you want to know what the definition of revolting is.

Luckily, my leg was a bit numb so I couldn't even feel some of it. Don't get me wrong though- it still hurt like Hell. Hot tears were pouring out of my eyes.

-present-

I woke up in a cold sweat, gasping for air. Sitting up, I wiped away the tears. Looking around I got up from my bed, heading into the kitchen to grab me medication. I live by myself, something I heavily requested after not used to living with people yet. I just moved into yesterday, after a month in the hospital.

The court helped me out and sued the company that owned the boat I was on when it crashed. That money got me a reserved apartment, giving me a start at a new life at a comfortable pace. Now I just need to find a job, if anyone would hire me.

I don't even know if my family is alive, no one has claimed me as their daughter yet. Even though I'm all over the news lately, I doubt they'd come and see me. I remembered that my brother was mean to me when I was little, one of the little facts that stuck with me after about 11 years.

I decided to go walk around the city so I can 'expose myself to society in baby steps,' as my doctors tell me. Later I'm supposed to be resurrected legally I guess- raised from the dead, how fun.

I walked into the bathroom, slowly undressing. I turned my head looking into the mirror.

I stared at the women in front of me. My scars weren't just scars - they were permanent memories mentally, emotionally and physically imprinted on me.

Getting in the shower- I let the water run all over my body, easing my tight muscles.

After the shower, I slipped on my loose white tank top and threw my black denim jeans, finished with a light blue denim jacket. I put my beanie on and grabbed my bag, ready to go.

Until this whole mess about me blows over- the court gave me a bodyguard. News reporters were waiting for me outside the building. Once I stepped outside, they attacked me with questions.

"Emi! Over here!"

"Tell us- is civilization different from when you remember?"

"How are you coping with anxiety in large crowds since your recent pain attack in times square?"

"Have any family members contacted you yet?"

My body guard-John- helped me through the crowd, a bit rough if you asked me. Well on second thought, maybe they deserved it. Opening the car door for me, I slipped inside the safety taking a sigh of relief as the tinted windows rolled up.

"Where to Ms. Jones?" John asked, sitting in the driver's seat ready to go at my will.

"Oh John, you know me enough to call me Emi," I said, rolling my eyes. My head leaned against the cold window, enjoying civilization. I mean, as much as I can with reporters everywhere.

"I want to stop at Starbucks first, and then I wanted to go to the park if that's ok. I need some time outside, it's hard being constricted to that apartment I'm forced to live in. I want to walk around the forest, I guess you could say the forest is like my home now. I'm not quite used to all of this yet." I finished with a flourish of my hand gesturing to the city around us.

"Well, I would understand. You're probably having the equivalent of a drug addicts withdrawal." We both chuckled.

"Yeah... your probably right." I said, drifting off, as I watched the scenery go by in a blur."

Once we arrived at Starbucks, I walked in. John waited by the door outside, making sure no reporters were too close.

I noticed in the window there was a hiring sign. If I have to get a job, I might as well get one at Starbucks. I mean- I spent all my time there before anyways.

I hopped in line, breathing in the smell of coffee. Placing my order, I stepped aside to wait.

Beside me, there was a man around my age. My phone slipped from my pocket as I was reaching for some money to get ready to pay.

"I got it," He said, surprisingly enthusiastic and alarmingly cute.

"Thank's," I said, retrieving my phone from his hand.

he nodded his head. "My name is Jacob King," and almost immediately after realization covered his face.

"Whoah- you must be the famous Emi jones!"

I maintained a calm face. Would I ever be anyone other than the Breaking News: Girl Lost at Sea Found? I nodded, shaking his hand as he offered it.

I snatched my coffee, ready to leave before he could ask any questions. I walked out in a hurry, adding a quick goodbye to Jacob in the process.

"You ready to go?" John asked as I walked over, noticing my uneasy expression.

"Yeah- let's go." I never thought being home would be so... hard.

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Thanks for reading.