Chapter 1
Oh, that dream- that dreadful dream! I woke up in horror from the mocking voice. I slowly got up, not forgetting about it…colder than the winter evening. I stepped outside into a cold afternoon; the brisk wind chilled me to the bone like a title wave of the Arctic frost. This was a feeling I had never experienced in my life. Something about this day just seemed off. But I choose to go on with my dad as I usually would, I walked off into the forest. I never noticed anything unusual about the forest; but then again there are rumors. I dragged my feet like I always do- not wanting to know what lies in the future, not wanting to remember the past; mainly because I just could not.
As I looked around for my prey, I heard an unusual noise-something that has never swept past my ears. Although knowing the danger of a fourteen-year-old girl going deep into a forest by herself, I was still curious. Curiosity never killed a human, did it?
I looked all around, and that is when it started to get darker. I wanted to leave but it was too dark, and I had no clue what way I had come from. Why did night have to come so quickly? What a terrifying moment when you do not know where to go or how to get out. I needed to leave though, I needed to get out of this forest, I shouldn’t have come in the first place I thought, I started to panic- but that happens right? I felt wet in my eyes- am I really crying? Yes, I was. Just because I’m a tough girl doesn’t mean I can’t cry. Everyone one cries at some points, I’m not the only one. I remember I saw my dad cry before he died in the bad war that went on, when he was a soldier. I wish for him dearly, but then of course my life has always been bad since well…since I could remember.
Everything started to fade along with the dreadful thoughts of my family. The moons light looked prettier than I had ever thought it could. However, as I stared into the moons bright and brilliant beams I heard something. Of course, I walked towards it, because I do not always do the worlds smartest things. The moment I took another step, I felt a cold shiver spike down my spine, and then it went pitch black.
I woke up and it was still dark. I was waiting for it to become light again, but it never seemed to. My voice cracked making a wretched hoarse sound as I started to say “Hello?” That is when I felt freezing muscular hands on my neck and that voice from my dream whispering in my ear. I gulped not wanting to know what I would face if I turned around. That is when I blackened out once again.
As I woke, I had no clue at all where I was at that time- I just knew I wanted to go home. “Is anyone here?” I called out in a raspy voice. Then that voice, dark and evil like waves crashing on a shore of needles said, “I am here, but who knows how much longer you’ll be.” I gulped.
“You will never over power me!” I exclaimed trying not to show fear.
“Oh, but little one, I will.” said that voice that rings throughout my head.
“NO! NEVER!” I once again fought with the voice.
“Quiet, you child,” that is when I turned around to see a dark frightening shadow. It moved like a slithering snake. I wanted to show fear, but I am strong-- right? I can already answer that question. Yes, yes I am! I started to move not taking my eyes off the unknown figure. I pretended as if I did not care, but I did. I was more scared then a mouse when a cat approaches it. So it was not noticeable-- I talked bravely, “Who are you, and what do you want?”
“I am your worst nightmare, and I am here for you, Alia,” said that no good and terrifying voice. I needed to get out of here before I exploded in a bout of fear. I slowly backed up from the figure; trying to not let it catch me moving. I finally jet, letting all my fear out. However, I knew he was following me, and I got this stupid but brilliant idea to climb a tree. I lost him- I let out a sigh of relief. I heard his footsteps getting softer and softer as he faded away into the dark forest.
I softly got down, and started to look for my way out, but as I looked more, I saw this wasn’t possible. I started walking faster and faster. I finally started to run, watching out for trees and vines. This is when I felt a tendril slowly wrap itself around my leg. I tried to scream for help, but I couldn’t get any sounds out of my mouth. I kicked and moved until it released from me. I walked a little ways off and sat down, I was becoming extremely thirsty.
I looked all around, and that is when I remembered I had water in my book bag. I opened it and realized I did not have a lot, so I had to take miniature drinks at a time. I took a small sip knowing that I would have to savor the water.
As I walked further it was like walking around in circles. I saw the same tree about five times. Isn’t it supposed to be light by now? Yes, it is. Why isn’t it then? I thought looking around confused. That is when it hit me- the rumor was true. The story of the forest at night being a horror hole was true- everything was true! I cannot believe this! I needed a way to get help…but how? I thought about it for a very long time as I looked for a hiding spot. I pondered this, taking my time to consider the options I had. Finally, I found the perfect spot in a tree, far from where the figure went. I climbed the tree and rested there I finally. When I fell asleep again, I woke right back up because of the no good voice that mimicked me in everything I did.
I wish my dad was here to comfort me, and give me my teddy bear when I needed it. I had it since I was born, and it gives me good memories of my dad; when things were happy, instead of sad and mad; when I didn’t have to watch out for my horrible luck that came when my dad left. I still think of him every minute of my life. Even there I thought of him saving me from the unknown figure that loomed over me, and caused fear to course through my veins. Then I looked to my left, then to my right, feeling as if it has seen me. I felt it’s vicious eyes staring at me. I quietly hopped down from the tree, but there it was again waiting for me.
I took a big breath; I needed to be confident. I could not give up. I will do this for my dad!
“Battle; me and you,” I said, more brave than I ever had sounded before.
“Why?” the figure had questioned me.
“So I can escape this horrid forest,” I replied, hating to talk to it. I went to work sharpening a stick for a weapon. I was not so sure if we were going to battle. I reminded myself not to get my hopes up. If we did battle and I won, I would be a hero like I always wanted to be. Instead of boring, and barely having any friends at all, I would be popular
