I was jubilant as I skipped down the dark street, in truth, I felt as though I could conquer the world. Why didn't I do this sooner? I asked myself as I twirled, not even minding the cold wind that beat my body through the thin clothes I was wearing. After a while I stopped and simply stared up at the night sky, it looked different now, and I couldn't remember if the sky always looked so reachable, or if it had something to do with my newfound freedom. I shook my head at my corniness and began walking toward downtown.
I felt like I was in a horror movie as I looked at the abandoned buildings that decorated the sidewalks and the pools of light the street lamps cast.
Thump.
I jumped at the noise and automatically picked up my pace. My eyes focused on the lights of downtown as I hiked the strap of bag higher on my shoulder.
Thump.
My breathing edged toward hyperventilation and I had the urge to run. But something stayed me, and I continued to walk at a very brisk pace.
Thump.
Thump.
It sounded closer to me now and for the life of me I wanted to run as fast as my legs could take me and then keep going.
Thump.
'Don't run,' a voice said right next to my ear.
I looked over my shoulder, nothing. My heart began to pound in my ears and black specks intruded on my vision.
Thump. Creaaak.
'Don't run,' the voice said a bit more forcefully this time.
I nodded my head, fighting the instinct to run, and took a deep breath. A prickling sensation began at the back of my neck, not unlike the feeling you get when someone is watching you.
Thump.
I stepped into the circle of light provided by the street lamp and looked around me, though the only thing I most likely accomplished was giving a full view of me and my vulnerability. Realizing this, I quickly stepped from the light and continued on my way.
Thump.
A whimper escaped my lips; I couldn't believe that I had escaped from one danger only to run right into another. I hated feeling helpless, and I resolved that if I got out of this- though I didn't really know what 'this' was- I would never be helpless again. A hissing sound came from somewhere around me, and ignoring the voice that kept telling me not to run, I broke into a sprint. Vicious laughter erupted around me as I barreled down the street, sweat pouring down my face.
I felt something slimy on my leg and I looked down anxiously to see something black attached to my calves. It looked like a huge leech and I let loose a near inhuman shriek as I stopped running to shake it off.
'Calm down,' the voice said.
I started to answer, how the hell am I supposed to be calm with a big leech thing on my leg, when I remembered that I was hearing the voice in my head. Great, maybe you're imagining this then, I thought when another one attached itself to my thigh, but as a slimy tentacle-like structure moved toward my secret place, I quickly discarded that thought. I may be crazy, but no way would I ever imagine something violating me.
Anger pulsed through me; no way was I going to free myself of one monster only to be hurt by another. I lashed out trying to hit the black form, but my hand to just past through it and connected with my thigh. I snarled as two others latched onto my waist and stomach. Another wrapped itself around my neck, while yet another crept toward my mouth. My scream filled the silent night, as I fell to the ground.
I could feel something building in the pit of my stomach, and it scared me almost as much as these things did. The voice in my head was a snarling mass of fury, which was way more frightening and lethal than my own anger. My heart was fluttery, and I was feeling light-headed from my rapid breathing. Pain was radiating over my body, it felt as though I were being eaten alive. I cried out as something sharp pierced my side and something wet spread across my skin.
The building in my stomach was now spreading throughout my entire body, making me shake with its power. A word, clear as day, appeared in my mind, and without thinking I screamed it out. The power came to a climax and seemed to rip my skin apart as it flew out, taking form as a blinding white light. Warmth filled me, to the point of pain and then without warning it was gone.
A popping sound pulled me from my shock and I looked around me to see the dark creatures curling in on themselves and dissolving rapidly. With a shaky breath, I pushed myself off the ground and examined myself for injury. Surprisingly, there was none, in fact my pale skin seemed to have a slight glow about it that reminded me of the way painters portray angels. I felt a confidence I didn't have before, and for the first time in my life, I felt powerful and dangerous. With a small smile on my lips and a mind that didn't really know what had just happened, I grabbed my bag and headed to the café where I was to meet Carter.
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like it? loathe it? I'd really like to hear your opinion.
