Gone After the Wind

Chapter 18: Sunrise

He was one of those that deemed nature as the preeminent entity in the whole universe. He never miss a chance to acknowledge the beauty it offers despite being corrupted by its worst inhabitants. Most particularly its power to produce life, sustain its longevity and eventually claim it back if the time it spared had unfortunately expired. To him, nature was the most useful treasure humankind has been fortunate to discover and yet it still remains as incapable of defeating the monstrous charm of money and gold to people.

He couldn't understand how they can be so foolish for overlooking and taking advantage of its tremendous help to the planet. From the food they eat, to the bed they sleep, all has been produced mercilessly by nature. Why is it so hard for them to return it through even the smallest means?

Because it is in their blood to be wicked, and bloody selfish to the core.

Gratefully, the spirit of nature knew well how to execute her vengeance. By flooding their houses and beloved infrastructure, by showering their lands with ice and rain, the humankind had come around to scrutinize what they had done. But in spite of that, the abuse still continues, and lingers like a plague.

He chuckled softly, amused that he wasn't included in those evildoers. He's unique. His actions exemplified how should nature be treated. That is why, any wishes he make and every works he struggles to achieve, nature never misses to side with him.

And to pay for that, he bumped into a strict decision. He'd honored it by using its parts as shelves of his incredible works. And the hill where he currently stood was only the third of the shrines he planned to use.

He took a deep breath, filling his lungs with the morning breeze and letting his nostrils be caressed by the scent of fresh flowers and new grown grass around him. He leaned his back against the trunk of the small oak tree, and watched the night sky in awe as the sun slowly rise up from a long nap, and the millions stars fading from the background.

Everytime he needed to unwind and release some negative energy from his daily life, this is where he usually vent, and practice his patience. When it comes with dealing his emotions, he's an amateur. It had always been a struggle to get those annoying defects under control. He knew it wasn't necessary to repress it. But the last time he unleashed one, he gripped someone's neck and plunged a butcher knife into a woman's head. He almost got incarcerated by that one. Luckily, he mastered the art of deceiving people through appearance and status, the police was immediately convinced by his alibi and did not pursue him as a suspect later on.

Those experiences had made him extremely cautious when showing his real behavior, and had even taught him tricks to avoid authorities and shove them off of his track. Since then, he never let those urges get in his mind, and he devised a strategem when and how he'd use his emotions that would benefit him in the end.

And the product of his work today was the least example of manipulating his emotions. Only this time, he almost got extra aggressive.

He turned at his side and from that direction, he admirably stared at his work hanging beneath the thick branches of the tree. Glowed by the pale sunlight, it swayed softly as the wind stirred in their direction. He felt proud that he did not commit unforgivable mistakes in the process of molding it, one thing that he failed to achieve from the previous ones.

Maybe because he had worked this one out with so much labor. To be honest, he hadn't expected that he would did it right this time. All the efforts he exerted to catch this prey wasn't a joke. It was pretty risky and painful. He had even sacrificed his dearest truck just to ensure he wouldn't fail. The accident he created had served its purpose. Thanks for that, he was able to extinguish her little glimmer of hope.

He didn't notice when she had seen through his plan. He knew he had been cautious and assertive. How in the earth did she know he was stalking him? It was such a surprise that she got a smarter side in her, despite living the most damned life.

It was outrageous when she started driving off to another direction. He almost thought she'd get away! Hadn't he came up with an alternative, she might have, and this whole thing might have been blown up!

He exhaled, shrugging away the strong feeling of anger raging from within. There's no point to entertain that now and seek for validation. He had enacted his vengeance in the most safest and pleasing way. He's already happy with that. He should be. Especially now that he had just arrived at the peak of his plan. Only four more to go, he can go free.

And the world will sing praises for the magnificent work he has done for it.

Feeling his adrenaline rushing through his veins as he thought of that glorified day, he pivoted to the figure on the tree, silently praising how he could have been so great to master it. He reached for the small rope hanging beside its hand. Slowly, he pulled the tip and its jaw dropped automatically.

His eyes widen, his mouth flew open in surprise. With trembling hands, he pulled all the adjacent ropes and the whole figure moved accordingly, mimicking a greeting from a marionette to his master.

He shut his eyes tightly as the overwhelming flow of mixed amazement and pleasure filled his veins. He heaved a deep sigh and with a smile painted on his lips, he leaned closer to its face full of artificial parts that he had placed there. She seemed lovely more than ever. The blue eyes he inserted fits her perfectly and the wig made her even more flawless. She became a much defined woman now rather than her previous form. This is where she belongs and woman like her shouldn't be here in this world and he was glad he had ended her before she become a monster. Her old self was a disgusting one and her existence should be extended in this, a puppet who serves under one master and that is him.

He caressed the wig softly and patted her cheeks full of wounds. He was still wearing that smile when he straightened his back and looked around the place. Only one hour to go and this hill would be crowded with tourists and local citizens who takes pleasure by wandering around here. When that happens, the spectacular view isn't the only one that would amaze them, but mostly, his work, his impressive work that would be meaningful once it's all done.

Scanning the hill for one last time, he started collecting his things, his mind advancing to the next subject he must collect right away. And tomorrow, he would claim it.