In the early hours, before dawn crested the horizon, footsteps echoed off the dirt rock path and my heart held a steady beat. I loved the early mornings before anyone was awake-quietness could steady your mind.
Eeriness settled over the small town. This was a desolate place, hidden in the forests of Washington State. The fog seeped through the branches, making leafs heavy with dew. Clawing, I pushed through each layer of a dark cloud. This fog was dulling my senses.
I ran harder, leaping over fallen logs and onward over roots jagged throughout the path. My pulse rose, something out of the ordinary, shook my wits. There was a crack and shuffling.
"who is following me?" Explanations, contested my inner thoughts.
The head lamp flickered across the dark, fog-covered path as I moved into the night. Another crack brought me to a stop. A loud screech and scuffling of the forest foliage heightened my senses. Panic turned into circles, scouring every inch of the forest.
My wits on end, I yell, "Who's out there?" Fear evident in my voice.
This time silence did not answer, a cackle and Low, dark growl echoed around me. A chill crept through my spine, raising every hair on end. The headlamp gleamed back-blinding, reflecting off the fog.
Crack. Snap. Cackling sounded just a few feet away.
This sprinting had begun to fatigue the body. Never had I run this hard. Again, I jumped, racing through the forest. I panted as my heart raced, beating hard against my chest. "The end is near," I told myself. Light pierced the thick forest above, and I could see the road. I must make it.
Teeth grinding, the threat was very real now. A loud snap boomed in the cool, night air. I was suddenly on my back. The world spun as I wheezed and gasped for air. Darkness now swore to find me -it was ever so close.
Growling filled my ears, and I closed my eyes. My heart beat echoed in my head as I struggled against my inner conscience, telling me to fight. Opening my eyes, I flipped to my stomach and crawled. Darkness was settling in now, the trickle of blood dripped from my forehead onto my arms. I pushed my palms into the dirt-rock path and extended my arms. Now on my knees, I looked around. My headlamp had been dimmed from the fall, making it hard to see, in the flicker of light, stood a tall dark man. He wore a black robe, eyes red as fire.
"It's time." His whisper filled my ears. More blood dripped off my forehead, and I leaned back on my knees, chest poised to the sky. Pushing onto my feet, I screamed, "NO!"
This Dark Man stood firm, and those evil, red eyes steadied on mine. I could now see his razor teeth and deeply scared face beneath his cloak. His Hand rose; A sharp hooked fingernail pointing directly at me.
"Your destiny is mine. I own your soul," hissed this dark man.
Before I knew it the Dark Figure was in full force, moving quickly towards me. No where to run, I too darted towards this Dark Man.
"I will die fighting or meet you in hell!" Screaming, we slammed together, creating a loud thump.
A clash of bright light filled my eyes. His razor teeth tore at the flesh around my neck and his sharp fingernails dug into my arms. My skin burned and eyes watered, yet I was still running. The light was persistently getting brighter now. I could hear my name. This must be an angel.
"Matt," the voice was ever so faint.
I yelled out, "I'm Here," knowing it was in my head.
This Dark Man's grasp was firm. I was floating away, and the voice was fading softer...ever so soft.
"Matt..."
"I shook violently as light broke into my eyes and I Screamed."
"Matt."
It was real now.
"Matt, wake up. I'm here for you."
I was being shaken. "You, saved me," I said. "You saved me. You're my guardian angel."
My girlfriend looked back at me. "And I will always be here to save you."
I fell peacefully back to sleep. For now, I was safe from the inner demons who struggled for my soul.
