The Rogue

Chapter One: Hidden Truth

It's been years since I last saw this place. It hasn't changed much. I can still feel the warm, earthy feeling of the forest. The grass under my feet clinging onto me, telling me that my presence here is welcome... the trees swaying to the tune of my footsteps as I walk by.

I trudged along the soft, damp moss of the forest path below the crackling branches touching above.  I can see the small spots of dappled sunlight that brightens up the forest. The forest giving forth a natural feeling towards every living creature present, including me. You can hear so many sounds living under its protection. From the songbirds to the wind and rain, from grazing dear to the crispy autumn leaves, and squirrels foraging for nuts and berries. Even the snow during winter brings life to the forest. That in all its majesty, stands proud, protecting the land.

I stopped at a clearing, glancing around for another presence. When I thought that nobody else had followed me in, I started my usual practice. I started hiding my presence and subduing the other half inside of me. I've been going at this for six months already and I think I've gotten the hang of it.

Shutting down one part of me for six months now is putting a heavy toll on my body, but I ain't got much of a choice. This is the only way I know to stop them from tracking me down.

After three long hours of practice, I've decided that I've done enough for today. I should start heading back before it gets dark. I'll resume practice again tomorrow.

I walked along the small brook that gently winds its way through the forest, enjoying the gnarled roots of the trees that drink their water from it, and the rustling leaves of the trees shading its precious waters. I was mesmerized by the hidden wonders of the forest when suddenly, I heard the snap of a twig. Someone was following me. I stopped my tracks and turned around, looking for the culprit. How could I have missed it? Was I too absorbed in my own reality that I didn't notice the danger?

"I know you're there. Show yourself." I said particularly to no one.

A figure came out from behind a tree five steps to my right. He was handsome, maybe older than me for about a year or two. He was about six feet tall, I guess. He had this curious-looking blue eyes looking intently at me from afar, with a mop of messy blonde hair. The word player oozing right out of him. He didn't say anything so I decided to break the silence between us.

"Why are you following me?" I asked, keeping my face devoid of any emotion. I was trying not to reveal my uneasiness towards him. He might be dangerous. He might have come here looking for me.

"No reason. I was just bored and I was strolling down this path. And then I saw you. I was curious so I followed you here." He answered a second too fast, fidgeting. He was probably afraid that I'll find out who he is... or rather what he is. But still, the possibility of him killing me is present.

Why do I always end up in situations like this? No matter how much planning I do, no matter how careful I am, worse things still happen to me.

I sighed inwardly.

He probably noticed my inner turmoil since he just stood there, arms crossed against his chest just staring at me. He's probably waiting for me to say something. I looked at him one last time, taking in every information, scrutinizing him from head to toe. He noticed me looking, likely thinking that I was checking him out.

Really? You think I'm going to fall that? Too bad hot stuff, that won't work on me. I smiled internally. "You know, curiosity killed the cat. You might wanna remember that." I replied blankly then started to walk away.