Chapter 4

My mind was going a million miles a minute. Emotions were spiraling out of control within myself and I couldn’t think straight. Sadness, anger, regret, confusion, fear, thankful, happy, I didn’t know what to think or how to feel. But I now know one thing, this was real…Everything that has happened so far was real. The car accident, the pain from my wounds, my life ending, waking up in a different world in a different body that’s not really my own, all of it. I then realized that since this was real, I’ll never be able to see my family again or anyone else I’ve ever known for that matter. All I could do at this point let my emotions burst out and I started to cry…

I died…I actually died and somehow came back to life by some unknown being. All I wanted was to live my life as normal as possible and yet some drunk asshole decided to snuff it out. I screamed and slammed my fist into the ground and cried harder, I didn’t care if it hurt. My cries were loud but I could give a shit if anyone could hear me. The pain was unbearable, to be torn from your home and put in a new world was just cruel and yet I got the short end of the fucking stick.

I rose my head up from the ground and looked at the piece of paper and vile. I then remembered what was written in it, “I chose you”. She chose me? Of all the people on Earth, she chose me? Why me? I’m no one special, I’m anything but special yet she still chose me. I reached over and picked up the note and starred at it. I then remembered what it said at the end when she said she and I would meet again so I was somewhat hopeful but I was still too upset for words. After a few minutes of reading the note over and over again I started to calm down. My father used to always tell me, “A man’s gotta do what man’s gotta do.” Sitting in the middle of the forest crying for who knows how long won’t solve anything. So I rose to my feet and picked up my jacket.

I was about to leave but my eye caught a glimpse of the vial that was still on the ground so I bent down and picked it up. It still had the slight colorful glow despite it being clear like water. F said that this potion contained the skills and knowledge of the champion of my youth, whatever that means. I decided to save it for later just in case, didn’t want to make a brash decision that would probably turn me into something terrible. I put the vial and note in my pocket but as I did I felt familiar shapes of objects already residing in it.

No way…it can’t be…, I think to myself.

I put the items in my other pocket and grasp the objects and pull them out. I couldn’t believe it! It was my smartphone, ear pods, and wallet! How they were still with me I couldn’t know but didn’t care to even question it. I checked my wallet I saw that it was empty but I still had my drivers ID which was a plus I guess. I then checked to see if my phone was working and it was. I punched in the code and saw that I still had all my apps and music which I thanked heavens for. But when I hesitantly checked my contacts, I frowned sadly seeing that all my contacts were gone. I guess since I’m in a new world anyway it’d be kinda pointless if they were still there. I was about to be on my way when I realized something, I was in the middle of a forest with absolutely no idea where the bloody hell I am! I could just continue walking but I’d rather not risk getting more lost than I probably already am.

With no other ideas coming to mind I walk towards a tall looking tree and sized it up. It’s about 3 and half stories tall which means I’ll probably get a good view of my surroundings. I then start to climb the tree branch by branch. Normally I’d be nervous as hell right now and I’d have just as much trouble even lifting myself up but strangely I’m calm and I’m climbing with ease. I guess my new body wasn’t all for show after all. I continue climbing and making my way to the top, as I’m climbing the air around me starts to become more clear. I’m a little over half way up the tree and I’ve yet to catch my second breath.

“Man, if this what I can do with just climbing I wonder what else I’m capable of?” I wonder.

Eventually I make it to the top and I’m now towering over the forest. It’s vast, more vast than anything I’ve ever seen. I see nothing but trees that seem to stretch out for miles. It’s quite the impressive sight if I’m being honest. I could stay up here for hours if I hadn’t reminded myself why I’m up here in the first place. I start to look around to see if I can find any sort of civilization. A little ways to the East I spot what looks like a small town, not too big, not too small. I look to the North/East and in the far distance I can barely make out what looks to be a.............castle? It’s on the side of a large mountain and looks like something you’d see in child’s fairytale book.

Shaking myself out of my stupor, I decided to choose to go to the town to the East. I make a mental note on which direction I’m supposed to go and climb back down the tree. Once on the ground I stretch my limbs and back getting a few satisfying pops here and there. Guess all my aching body needed was a good stretch and exercise since I now feel much better. I pull out my phone and unlock it. I’m skeptical if it still works the same way as it should so I test it by tapping the compass app. Thankfully, the compass still works and I point it to the East. Once my directions are settled I begin my hike towards the small town I saw.

“Here goes everything, I suppose…” I muttered.

2 hours later

I’ve been walking in the same direction for a couple of hours now. So far it’s been nothing but trees, bushes, and other plant life. I’m starting to get board so with nothing better to do I pull out my headphones, put them in my ears and plug the cord into my phone. I play a song that always relaxes me.

I start humming along to the tune and occasionally sing along the lyrics. It’s a pretty good song and I always play it to help me relax and continue on with what I’m doing. I start to pick up the pace as the chorus starts and I’m singing along with the lyrics. My mood is now brighter and I feel like I’m in my happy place again. Once the song ends I let out a deep sigh of contentment. I notice I’m in a small clearing and decide to take a break from walking. I sit down and stare up in the sky and watch the clouds drift by. I notice that they’re a bit more fluffy looking than the ones back home.

After a good 5 minutes of of resting, I pick myself up and continue my quest. Suddenly, I hear what sounds like screaming. It sounds like a group of young girls and they’re in terrible danger. My instincts kicked in and I sprinted in the direction of the screaming. I dodged and weaved the trees and branches with ease which means my reflexes have also improved. I must look like a parkour pro while jumping and dodging my way through the trees. I’m also much faster than I was while sprinting. I was about to continue admiring my new found stamina when I had made it to the source of the screaming. I found myself in another clearing of the forest but I wasn’t prepared in the slightest for what I was laying my eyes on.

What the fucking hell is that thing?!?, I think to my shocked self.

Right in front of me was what looked like a large lion, only it was bigger than most lions and had a scorpion tail and stinger with bat like wings on its back. I was speechless, I was literally looking at monster I’ve only seen in shows and video games: a manticore. I kept staring at it for who knows how long, but I snapped back to reality when I noticed what was in front of the growling beast. There were 3 little girls huddled against each other whimpering and shaking in absolute fear. If nothing was done soon, they’d become appetizers for the manticore that already was drooling over it’s prey.

I was at a loss for words and thought, I couldn’t move because I also was fearful towards the monster in front of me. I then looked at the girls who were agonizingly waiting for their supposed end.

What should I do?!? What can I do?!? Sure I’ve got a new body and all but against this monster?!? I’d just be another meal to it!!! There’s gotta be something I can do!!!

I started panicking and time was rapidly running out. I then just remembered the vial in my pocket. I quickly pulled it out and gazed upon the glowing liquid inside.

Damnit, I wish I had more time to think about this!, I cursed.

I take another look at the manticore and girls. The beast is about to make its move and begins to growl while getting ready to pounce. I had to make a decision now or I’ll never forgive myself. I uncorked the vile and stared at the opening.

“I hope this works, for all our sakes!” I say to myself.

I put the vial to my lips and down the whole thing like a shot of alcohol. In an instant the contents of the vile have been gulped down and not a drop remains within. There was a brief moment of silence and I start to get extremely worried. I was about to say something when out of no where I feel a surge of energy within my body. My head shoots upwards and I’m now seeing images I’ve never seen before. The images are being played so fast but I can still see it all go by. Images of me performing a variety masterful martial arts skills and blasts of energy exploding from my hands of all shapes and sizes. I even see a myself surrounded by a bright red aura like fire and get a glimpse of me looking completely different than what I look like now. Soon the images stop and I take a deep breath. All these skills and techniques are now coming to me so naturally. I should be shocked and confused but strangely calm and collected, like I’ve known how to uses these skills for a good long while even though I’ve never fought in my life.

I’m brought out of my dazed faze when the girls start screaming again. I look towards the scene before me and the manticore is just about to pounce. Without thinking I quickly raise my hand and focus. A medium sized ball of energy appears and I fire it in front of the manticore. It hurdles at great speed towards the front of the beast and makes contact with the ground and explodes leaving a scorch mark on the ground and dust is kicked up from the explosion.

3rd POV

Both parties are shocked at what had just happened. An explosion out of nowhere stopped the snarling beast from claiming its prey. Soon, both the manticore and young girls look to the side and see a being that neither of them have seen before. It was tall, very tall by the girls point of view and it was standing on two legs. It didn’t have any fur on it’s arms or legs and it’s face was also hairless, excluding the small patch of hair covering its jaw. It’s brown hair was slightly long and was flowing in the wind slightly. It’s hand was raised and a small glow was emanating from it. By the looks of it’s facial expression, it had a very serious and focused look. The manticore could only glare and turn its attention to the strange being and starts to growl in annoyance for having interrupting its meal. The being was undeterred and gave the manticore a fierce glare of its own before lowering its hand. It seemed to be now crouching slightly with its legs spread out and both its hands how in front of it. There was a silent tension in the air until the being spoke.

“You will not harm these innocents, beast!”

Author's Note

Oh boy, he finally reveals himself! I also managed to hire an editor so a big thanks to him for helping me with this new project! Hope you all continue to admire my work!