Overtaking The Throne

Waterfalls, a Beastie and Shadows

Chapter Five
Waterfalls, a Beastie and Shadows

Trekking through a dark, winding forest on your own where no one lived was never a great idea. (Seriously, don't try it.) However, when you've lived in that forest for a few years now the notion is more acceptable.

I had grown accustomed to my life here. The damp moss smell and crawling insects around every corner no longer made me feel uncomfortable. Slowly but surely I had memorized ever square inch of my home. It made things easy to find just what I was looking for.

Past the raging waterfalls was a creature of legend. With creepy bug eyes, a giant body, and a tail of venom, I had every reason to feel fear of it. If I was scared, perhaps I wouldn't be the only one.

No, I knew I wouldn't be the only one.

I had seen him once before, and was immediately taking off in the opposite direction. He was likely still in the same area, and probably just as scary.

I paused.

Did I really want to do this?

It seemed far too late to head back now, which was cliché but true. The waterfalls were directly in my vision, and I finally heard their mighty roar. No longer was I blocking the sound or my fear out. Everything crashed down around me, both internally and externally. It didn't matter, though. I was ready.

I took a step further, hoping that this beastie in my forest wouldn't kill me on sight.

It was a reassuring thought.

"Hello?" I called out meekly. Not a thing moved. I tried again. "Mr. Scary Beastie Thing? We haven't crossed paths in awhile, I hope you don't mind. Anyway, I wanted to ask you something."

Everything but the sound of the cascading water remained in such silence. Seriously, that was disconcerting. Instead, I continued to ramble stuff I don't even remember until finally I recalled the food I had brought. Rummaging through my back, I fished out the plate I had. The smell was unique; citrusy yet sweet.

A shadow behind me stirred.