Chapter 3 - The Attack

Was I stupid enough to wander into sight of a complete stranger; standing mysteriously alone, in the woods, on a weird road? That answer is a definite yes. My mind was urging me forward while the person beckoned the curiosity inside me. It was actually the only living thing I saw out here, besides the small animals such as: Rabbits, Squirrels, Chipmunks, I can't keep alive off of them for long, even with my own blood.

I grabbed my blood stained knife which was in my hoodie pocket and carefully made my way down the tree. I can't wait to taste their blood, my cravings for the human insides slowly increased the more I thought about it. As my shoes touched the grassy, terrain, I instinctively started running to my desirable destination; the road. I picked up my pace and kept a close eye out for it. I Steadied my breath, slowing down, making sure I have enough energy for the attack as the black pavement crept into view, I hesitantly approached it, crouching beside some thick bushes. Strangely, it looked like they were dying, yet struggling for survival with that grayish pigment the leaves had. Far different than the other foliage surrounding it, but something felt off. The black liquid caught my attention as I studied the conspicuous bush.

I glanced around, making sure the person wasn't still here, nothing. The human probably moved on, of course of me taking the longest of time. I mentally slapped myself and sighed deeply. I walked out onto the road, examining the liquid. Was it oil from a passing car? No. I haven't even seen one car come down this road. Probably closed or blocked off. I circled it a few times then forced my mind into touching it. I reached down and ran my index finger on the leaf, with the black substance sticking to my skin.

As soon as the thick liquid contacted my finger, it started to tingle. I tilted my head curiously at the feeling. All of a sudden, the tingle started to burn. My eyes widened and I tried to wipe it off on my hoodie, it only smeared. My entire hand was shaking as the realization hit me hard. This substance was melting through my skin. It started sizzling and I winced at the pain. "Nonononono!" I screamed to myself, gripping my hair. The pain was unbearable compared to my injured left arm. As I started to run towards the lake again thinking; the water might at least help, but someone or something tripped me.

Before I could at least hit the ground or scream, the thing grabbed me by my shoulders and pushed me onto a tree. Pain shot up my back as the wood pinched it slightly after the persons foray. My head ached on where should it focus all my wounds. I blinked a few times as the guy came into view and I gasped.

I stared into the empty, black sockets for where his eyes should be. A dark blue and dirty mask covered his face quite well, as his mangled, brown hair stuck ever which way. His clothing were mud stained and tattered, making his black hoodie and jeans worn out and dirty. The guy stared me down with his endless holes, what he calls eyes. They leaked the black substance to what was on the bush. Some of it trickled off his mask and dropped on my showing chest, making me flinch, but didn't make me stop looking at this strange creature. He tilted his head slightly to the left and spoke,

"How did you get here." He said in a rather calm voice, sending a shiver of fear down my spine. I felt a hand grasp ahold of my neck and something sharp, touched my stomach. I stared in horror, still shocked and unfrozen, looking at the long scalpel, pressed against me. His black gloves were blood stained and the scent was horrid. He looked dead, his coal colored skin reflected against the moonlight.

My lip started to quiver slightly as I tried to speak to the guy, "I-I..."

He didn't hesitate on tightening his grip, making me gag on my words. My instincts finally kicked in because of the lack of air. I shifted slightly and sank my teeth into his arm. He tilted his head and let out a low growl as I did so. It didn't affect him at all.

As he put pressure on his knife, the blade sank into my stomach. I closed my eyes tightly shut, waiting for the impact to hit me, but nothing came. The fear bundled inside me increased as I slightly took a quick peak. He was gone. I herd a quick grunt behind me and I turned around. I stared at the guy for a while, he sunk to the ground, then realized I blended into the shadows, disappearing, and reappeared behind him. Therefore, making the poor guy face plant into the tree he had me against.

I couldn't help it, but I laughed at him. Yes, he tried to kill me, but I need more comedy in my boring life and this was the cure. Yet I kinda felt sympathy too, he looked like he hit it hard and I noticed he wasn't moving either.

I cautiously stepped forward and grabbed a thick branch off the ground as a weapon of choice, I mean, I wasn't going to kill the guy. He's the only one that I've ever met that was like me. He was... Different.

Arming myself with the wooden branch, I poked him. Yes, I poked him with it because I was still frightened by him. I tilted my head, stepping closer, and nudged his arm with my foot. He's out cold I guess.

All of a sudden he gripped my ankle and I gasped in surprise. I jumped back a little, almost dropping the stick. He raised his right arm and before I knew what he had, the creature swiped his hand down and stabbed the ground. I glanced at my feet and realized he almost penetrated through one of them. Before he could try something else, I brung down the branch onto his head in full force and he became limp again. I yanked away from his grip yet again and sighed in relief. "Damn." I breathed, bending down and poking him again to make sure he was done. Yep.

I was about to walk away but what would happen if a human found him? Well, I guess I could tie him up at my camp and get some questions. Yeah, like a little torture session, but the problem was getting him there.

I pushed him over on his back and started to drag him. God he was heavy, I mean, I'm not saying he was fat or anything, he looked pretty well, built, but geez.

As time flew by, which it seemed like an eternity, my strength gave in and I became tired. I made it and the tree was only a few meters away, so I started to roll him. I'm glad he stayed passed out the entire trip, which seemed like hours. I think I've hit him too hard with that branch, but whatever.

I propped him against the tree and climbed it. Grabbing my backpack, I hopped down and landed easily on the ground. I searched and found some rope and made sure the guy wouldn't get free.

To pass some time, I gathered wood and started a small fire. I sat down and stared at it. The light flickered against the rocks and grass, portraying shadowed, twisted figures. The flame danced and calmed me though, like a sense of serenity and home.

Home.

Do I even call this place home? I can't believe father would do this to me... I hope my sister is ok. I'll find her too, with Tim. This will all blow over in time. I hope.

I sighed and hugged my knees. I glanced at the guy, he twitched a few times, but I don't think he's waking up anytime soon. I laid down and directed my attention towards the fire. I felt myself falling into the darkness of slumber and finally gave in as the glow faded.