Shadow Walkers

Chapter 5

           When I wake up, the room is dark. I feel cold and hollow, confused and terrified. It all washes over me as soon as I wake up and remember where I'm at. I slowly get out of bed and stretch. My left hand feels like a lion has claimed it as its toy, chewing it up and scratching at it. I remember what I did last night, or was it really early this morning? Whatever. It still happened, and the towel is probably still a mound of dust on the bathroom counter. I quickly check the bed, seeing that nothing is ruined and I smile a little. Maybe if I don't think about it, I won't destroy everything I touch. 

           I walk to the red door and stop as I feel something touch my shoulder. I turn and see Aaidan. "Yes?" I ask. I thought seeing him was a dream. After seeing the clawing shadow hands yesterday from my exploring in the forest, I wasn't expecting to feel so calm when I saw Aaidan. He's different, or so he says. He doesn't have any colour to him. He just has different shades of gray and black. He is thin and his body is like black smoke, but when other people are around, like Deren, he turns into my Shadow. Like all his brothers and sisters, he's a Shadow, and like all Shadows, they have someone or something to stay by at all times. They are like protectors, in a strange and silent kind of way. 

           "We can't stay here long. We need to get to the shed, there's supply there so we can get to a place where there are actual people around." He says. 

           I nod and look out the room. It's a shame too, I really liked the house. It was strange and beautiful and different. Something I can't ever remember seeing. "Yeah. Why do I have to leave?" I ask. 

           "Because he isn't safe. He will try to kill you and you can't die, it's important that you stay alive." 

           "You still haven't told me why that is so important." I say, looking back at him.

           "You'll find out sooner or later. Right now we should just stick to getting out of here." 

           I nod. I don't know why he wants to leave so bad, but if he says it's because Deren is a bad person, then I guess I have no other reason to believe him. I'm not sure though. They are both strangers to me, so it doesn't matter. And how Aaidan knows that Deren is not so good, I'm not sure. Maybe he talks to Deren's shadow, who knows. I know for a fact that I want to thank Deren again, then say my goodbyes. 

           "Ah, you finally woke up." Says a familiar voice behind me. I turn and look at Deren, who looks more awake than he did earlier this morning. 

           "Yes. Now I have to go. I was just about to say thank you for letting me stay a bit and saving me and all." I say with a smile. 

           "Oh, well I couldn't have someone dying on my land. But before you go, stay for breakfast. I haven't made anything yet, but you can help me pick some fruits from the garden." 

           It sounds tempting, but Aaidan was nudging my foot, clearly wanting to leave now. "That sounds great and all, but I really should go." I say and walk out of the room. Now, the house was huge, but I made sure to memorize my way from the front door to where I slept. I'm in a strangers house, who wouldn't do that? 

           "I insist. You're about to leave, probably on a long journey wherever you'er going, so you need to eat. You shouldn't travel on an empty stomach. Oh, we can have eggs and fruits and orange juice and toast with jam." He lists. 

           I look at him, see his eyes and how bright they are shining. I don't know what it is, maybe he is feeling lonely, or he likes having some company. I would feel lonely if I lived in an empty house in the middle of a dark forest. So yeah...I feel a little bad for wanting to leave already, and after everything he has done for me...well maybe I owe him.