A/N: the chapters titled "Surprise!!" are chapters 9 part a (9a.) and 9 part b (9b.) making this part 10. Enjoy!
It seemed many hours dripped by, but it was probably just a couple. Either way, there is no quick way to lie, covered in blood, next to a dead animal and have time seem short. Eventually, after another Dynasty, the sun moved beyond the tree line. I doubted I could stand and walk. My back and legs were weak, along with everything of me. My arms could, however, hold their own so I relied on them. I pushed myself into my stomach and crawled. Sun warmed blood on me helped lubricate my path. My clothes were ruined already, I didn't care that I was tearing my shirt even more on the ground. I laid my sword across my back to take with me.
There was a river close by, thankfully. Even though the short trek out of the clearing seemed long, I was dragging myself around every distance is going to feel far away. I rolled into the river, staying in the shallow bed so I wouldn't drown. The water was calming, the gentle currant reassuring me while cascading down my body, washing away all the blood and dirt. I laid my katana next to me so it would also be cleaned.
I need to go back, see what was dead beside me. In my rush to get to the river, I completely forgot to see who it was. I need to recollect my memory of the bit before I passed out. I remember running through the woods, katana out, but why? Before that I was getting my clothes and items back and going back to the pack. What happened along the way that I cannot remember?
I lay, thinking, in the water. Here it is safe. I do not worry about my surrounds and just try to piece back what occurred. Why the blood? The sword? The location? Nothing makes any sense!
Wait... the dead animal... the blood... was I attacked and just ended up passing out afterwards? Yeah, that makes some sense. I should try shapeshifting into a bird or something and fly back to the pack. Actually I'm not strong enough yet, never mind. Scratch that. I'll try to walk (more like hobble) back.
The water seemed to flow strength into me, rejuvenating my bones and muscles. I regretfully return to dry land and try to find a strong branch to support me. Yes, I need a cane. I'm old goddammit let me live.
I find a sturdy tree with thick branches and find a good limb to break off. I climb up like a sloth and grab onto the branch, letting my weight and gravity takes it toll and snap. With a loud snap, crack, and pop the branch falls (along with me, ouch) to the ground. I use one of the knives I had stashed on my leg to cut it and fix it into something usable.
Leaning against my makeshift cane, I stand on my shaky legs. I can walk, too! Wow, the water did so much. I could barely move my legs but now I'm moving on them? This is amazing!
My brief euphoria lasts about as long as I suspected. I took three steps and then fell on my face. This is very upsetting but I get back up and keep moving. I make it a few yards before I stop to rest. Panting, I look back and see how far away the river is. This is improvement. I may not make it to the pack soon, but I will eventually. After a bit has passed I will move again and move farther, then rest, move farther. I will get better than these few feet of a beginner. I am an expert in pain after all. I will overcome this weakness and get back.
That little speech of encouragement I just made must have helped. I stand back up, gather resolve, and when I break again I am just within the boundaries of the forest. The next is about half way to the clearing. Then I make it to the clearing.
This took hours, however. By now it's dark and I can barely see. I'm ready to pass out and sleep for a year I am that exhausted. But I don't. I hunt down my bag under the moon's glow, pulling out my flashlight and food. I was too ow to catch any prey, I don't think I've eaten in two days, have I? Just in case I scarf down some dried meat from a long time ago. I don't feel hungry... hm, strange. I shrug away the thought and remember that there's no need to worry. Remember the river, remember the river.
I calm down instantly. The leftover meat is repacked, the flashlight is put in hand, the sword is prepared. I flick on the switch and examine the body closely. Who is this? I see many scars and scratches and slices. Maybe also some bite marks? They seem very wolflike, maybe I shapeshifter while fighting and then shifted back? Or they're old marks, since I wouldn't have time to shift back and forth quickly enough to do this. Nor would I have the energy. Unless that was what caused my blackout and lack of energy now? No, that doesn't make sense. I huff and move the flashlight to their face. Maybe I can get some recognition there. As I shine the light up the neck and to the face, into the bloody eye. I lift up the face so I can see the other. I lift up the upper eye lid an- WHAT?
I drop the flashlight and scurry backwards, hyperventilating. How did this happen? Who did this? When did this happen? Why was he dead on top of me?
What was the alpha doing, dead, bleeding out on me?!
Why did I lose all my memory of this moment? Rather, these moments?
Shaking, panicking, I get to my feet and grab my things. Not thinking, I try to run away. I trip and fall over my own feet, slamming my face into a tree.
A while later, I wake again. I run my forehead where I hit. There was... nothing there? I grab my flashlight and cane and head to the river. I shine the light on my face and gaze into my reflection. My face was normal. The only odd thing was the flustered look of panic I had on. There was no cut, no bruise, no wound. Horrified, I sat back onto the bank.
I ran my hands over my face in terror. I felt the cartilage of my nose, the hard bone of my forehead, the soft skin of my eye lids, my cracked and bloody lips. No injuries anywhere.
What is wrong with me?
I roll onto my side and curl up in a ball. My hands find them self tangled in my dirty hair, pulling at the branches and leaves and hair in my grasp.
What is wrong with me?
A/N: Hey readers! I have a question for you all. Comment on what you think is better and I'll go by fan votes! Should I:
a.) update on Sunday's or
b.) update on Monday's
Any response helps! Thank you so much!
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AdventureThe enthralling series of Magica continues! The secret mad women's background is revealed in this book. Sammie, the katana-wielding orphan has her true story shown. You can see her trials and pains, how she became how she is now, how she learned her...
