3rd POV (Reflecting around the Stranger)
Footsteps echoed through the early morning as a boy with hair the color of charcoal walked nonchalantly along the Quitlette (A/N: I most likely spelled that wrong, but whatever.) and the Cullen boundary line. He smiled to himself as he stuffed his hands in his pockets, watching his breath emerge from his mouth in the cold air that nipped at his numb finger tips. The beeline he walked in was jagged, not remotely close to being straight. He swerved with each step as if he were somewhat inebrated. But he wasn't. In truth, this boy was enjoying himself. He was simply taking a stroll.
He had been raised to take everything seriously. To never make mistakes. Even he knew it was impossible- that very knowlage had been proven multiple times. But no one chastized him or critisized him. Or anything. They would compliment him in sullen tones. He had often been called "useful" or "incredible" or even "tool". He was used to those words. Everytime he heard a compliment such as that he would inwardly smirk and think fool. No one knew –not even the boy himself- that that very boy had emotion. He was, deep inside, lonely and sad. In the depths of his emotions he was a lonely little boy, longing for someone to tell him they care. For someone to treat him as an equal. He learned he had to be respected, intimidated, to have people look at him like a respectable figure. He began using that motive and the scientists took interest in it, but were not at all amused at his wittyness or silver tounge. They appreaciated that quality of his at a small amount. He had become respected, but not in the way he thought. When people looked at him, their eyes held approvement. That they accepted him and thought highly of him. That was the only way he knew. The only way he could ever know.
He had begun to hear the scientists talking about a different test subject.
Maximum Ride.
He didn't like the way they seemed so intruiged by her. Or so amazed. He hated that. He hated her.
His heart had nearly burst when he found his mission to be to exterminate Maximum Ride. He was so ecstatic he could barely breathe.
A loud crack brought him back to his senses and he slowly turned, expecting to see the experiment that was checking in on him on a weekly bases. The scientists didn't trust him to obey the mission, thinking Maximum Ride would turn him into a useless test like her flock. But he knew that wouldn't happen. No way was he going to side with his one true enemy.
His eyes widened slightly in awe at the beautiful black wolf approaching him slower than a horde of snapping turtles.
As if conversing with a human, the boy smiled feintly. "Hello there."
The wolf's head cocked to the right as if it were confused. The boy chuckled, revealing his name to the miraculous creature. "I'm Derek. It's nice to meet you." He felt as if he could be labeled as insane with the look in the wolf's eyes, but didn't naturally care. Maybe he was insane. Who really knew?
"You are..." Derek started, looking for the words. Then he shook his head numbly. "No, there isn't a single word to describe you." What Derek really found amazing was the size of this creature. It was bigger than you're average wolf –it could even be mistaken as a bear, if one wasn't looking close enough- but he didn't find it the least bit intimidating. He thought the creature was simply stunning.
The wolf grunted, eyes locked on something behind Derek. He turned to look and his enjoyment faded as quickly as it came.
"Renae," He stated bluntly. "Long time no see."
The figure he spoke of had long, braided white hair and crimson eyes. They were so red and angry you could almost see little flames dancing inside them, proving her anger was at its limit.
"Don't give me that, Derek!" She snarled, lunging forward. Derek made no move to stop her, seeing as this had happened before. The palm of Renae's hand collided with Derek's cheek. The force was so great Derek was spun by the slap and had landed on his knees, feeling the sap and dew soak into the knees of his jeans. Everything was silent and he looked at the wolf sadly. It looked angry and concerned. Angry at Renae and concerned for Derek. Renae grabbed Derek's hair –which had grown out to the point below his jaw and his bangs fell over his face constantly- and tugged him up. She spun him around and jabbed a finger into his chest. "I was waiting for thirty minutes. Thirty minutes! How long did you plan on leaving me out here?" She gestured around the woods. Derek looked around, simply not getting her point. It was beautiful. The light that loomed in was dim, considering it was early morning, and made the trees look peaceful in their lifetime sleep.
"I think it's wonderful out here." Derek murmured. Renae cackled sarcastically.
"Wonderful? If you think it's so wonderful maybe I should take over the mission and dig you a grave here. I swear I am going to kill you for leaving me waiting! I almost called the director and told her you bailed! You know what she would do, don't you?"
Under his mane of hair, Derek's eyes widened and his breath hitched in his throat. His hands and forhead became clammy with sweat and he licked his lips to keep them from crumbling with the dryness. "Yes, I know."
"Then you should also know what your job is. If you don't then you have no buisness here anymore." She grinned, the light hitting her just right so that a shadow was cast over her eyes and her teeth seemed to glisten. "And I don't just mean in Itex, Derek. I mean I'll kill you. The director told me I could if you didn't follow the plan." She seemed giddy about that.
Leave, before she hurts you, too. Derek prayed silently to the animal. It didn't move. It stared at them.
"Now... one last thing..." She grunted, grabbing a fistful of Derek's hair again ang shoving him forward. This time, he fell without his knees there to catch him. He hit the forest floor with an umph and squeezed his eyes shut tightly, keeping the hiss of pain inside. He heard Renae bark laughter before he heard leaves crunching violently.
After he was sure she'd left, he tried to lift himself onto all fours. He'd gotten pretty far, but his right arm ached in protest and fell limp, making him fall onto his side, his side jabbing into a small log.
He groaned and gave up, lying on the forest floor silently. He figured resting was a good idea. He wouldn't get anywhere with the condition he was in.
To think, his thoughts sang sorrowfully. Just a few minutes ago I was minding my own buisness, just taking a small walk in the forest. But now I'm lying here, probably going to sleep here. I don't mind. I really should have gotten to her quicker. She must have been cold, that's all.
He lied to himself. That was easier than facing the truth. If he wanted the truth, he would get it. He was actually one of the best liers he knew.
His eyes drifted shut and he rested on the ground, almost wishing he could melt into the fallen leaves and become dew or soot. Anywhere but here was good enough for him.
Hearing soft crunches, his right eye cracked open with effort. He felt warm breath fly into his face and slide around the air. He chuckled. The wolf's breath smelled horrid.
"Go home," Derek smiled. "I promise, I'm fine." He closed his eye again and felt the wolf nudge his shoulder. He didn't respond. Maybe if he acted asleep the wolf would leave.
Or take it as an open "prey" sign.
Oh well. Derek drifted into a warm sleep, leaving the real world behind for a few hours gradually.
Okay, before you think "Oh, is he dead?" No. He is not. He is ASLEEP. I figured people would mistake him to be dead. But he IS NOT DEAD.
So... Yeah. R&R&R&R&R&R&R&R&R&R&R&R&R&R&R
And don't forget to R&R. ^^