The Shifter

Chapter One: Pursuit

My toes dug into the soil, propelling me further and faster as I tried to put some distance between myself and my attackers.

Dirt flew up all around me as I slid and jumped over logs and limbs to get away from my pursuers.

Come on, Casey. Just a little farther. I thought to myself.

The only problem was, I didn't even know where I was headed. No place was safe for me now.

"I see her!" I heard a gruff voice call behind me, catching up to me.

Had I been a normal human, running this long and this far would have been absolute torture.

But I wasn't normal.

I shook that thought aside. I had to think of more important things. . .like not dying.

If I could have used my powers, it would have been much easier to get away, but if I used them, it would only confirm to them what they already suspected, and I couldn't risk that chance.

Although, I had to admit at this point, that there was no point in hiding it if they already suspected it.

It was at this time that I made my decision.

As I continued to run, I focused my thoughts on the animal of my choice: a barn owl.

I could feel myself getting smaller, and my arms suddenly felt lighter. They soon were spread out as wide, open wings, and I flew onto the nearest tree, using my feathers as camoflauge.

My pursuers' footsteps were louder in my more sensitive owl ears.

"Boss, she's gone. . ." I heard a soft, smooth voice proclaim.

"Oh, she's not gone. She's only proven that she is exactly what we've been looking for." The familiar, gruff voice stated triumphantly. It paused for a moment, before stating, "Although that does mean that she can hide right under our noses." He sounded frustrated.

If I had been human, I would have laughed at his remark. However, as an owl, I merely let out a soft hoo. It wasn't loud enough for the men below to hear, thankfully. Seeing an owl in broad daylight surely would have given away my cover.

I waited in the treetops for - what felt like - hours.

As the sun began to fall behind the trees, I knew I could fly right in front of them, and still be undetected. After all, they didn't know what animal to look for.

So, I waited for an opportune chance, and when they were looking my way, I swooped down above their heads, before gliding in another direction.

They would have never believed that I would fly right in front of them, and therefore didn't pay any attention to me, thinking I was just a normal owl. So, I was able to fly away at my own, free will.

The question was, where was I going?