A LIFE UNSEEN

The Forbidden Forest

Rufus wandered the forbidden forest to an extent. The creaking of cricket, rustling leaves and snapping twigs only made him consumed with fear. He sat down after a long walk, resting his back on an old tree. There was silence in the forest for a while. Rufus wondered how a forest could seem so alive. ' I see why it's a forbidden forest. ' he thought. He recalled Annabelle's tears and the old woman he saw in the mirror, tears trickling down his cheeks as he felt convinced he was truly unlucky. He vowed to get justice for Annabelle's father, even if she wouldn't accept him again. Suddenly the silence in the forest was broken by a noise. He followed the noise and found himself in a clearing, where a beautiful and magnificent white unicorn was struggling with a dark unicorn. It seemed like the dark unicorn was dominating and he thought to separate them. The white unicorn glistened in the fading light, its horn shining with an ethereal glow. ' The white must be the good guy. ' he thought. He noticed a large stick beside him and projected a plan to hurriedly hit the dark unicorn. He carried the stick and ran towards the unicorns but the dark unicorn felt his presence and immediately struck him with a force that pushed him backwards. The distraction gave the white unicorn the chance to fight back again. The dark unicorn realised defeat was near if he had stayed and retreated. "We shall meet again Miral." The dark unicorn said as he flew away. The white unicorn turned to where Rufus laid, used the magic from her horn to give him strength. Rufus woke up feeling strong. He got up from where he laid and stretched. He noticed the white unicorn stare at him. "Thank you for reviving me, what are you? " Rufus said. "No, I should be the one thanking you Rufus." The white unicorn replied. Rufus was amazed it could talk and knew his name. "How did you know my name?" He asked curiously. The unicorn introduced herself as Miral, the great white unicorn. " I am the protector of good and that was dark Harn, he is corrupt and believes in war but I bring peace to everything good. You're Rufus the great werewolf, destined for greatness. '' Miral said. Rufus was surprised to hear it say he was a werewolf and burst into laughter. " I'm not the Rufus you think I am, I'm just a blacksmith who got accused of killing the man whom I cherished as a father. I've been banished and separated from the one I love who hates me now. '' Rufus bitterly. " You're brave to have attempted to save me, you possess great power within you and it's time for you to embrace your destiny. Someday you will meet again with Annabelle. '' Miral said. Rufus was astonished and gave out a sigh of relief. " It seems you know me so well, I mean you even know Annabelle. But I'm sorry to disappoint you. I'm not the person you think I am. I have no power." Rufus said. The white unicorn Miral told him he had to visit a cave called Huston's stove. It was known as the cave of reflection. Anyone who entered would either face their fears or get consumed by it. The unicorn beckoned on him to get on her while she took him to the place to return the favour of saving her from Harn. Rufus immediately got on the unicorn and it flew away. While in the air Rufus screamed in joy as it was his first time flying. They arrived at the entrance of the cave behind a waterfall. " In the Huston stove, the cave of reflection, you shall embrace yourself after facing your fears. Go inside Rufus, it's almost a full moon." Miral advised. Rufus with courage and determination walked into the cave. When he reached a particular distance he turned around and looked at the entrance and noticed Miral staring. He looked tense but the Miral nodded its head in affirmative and he continued to walk in. The darkness enveloped him like a shroud. As he went deeper he could hear echoes of sarcastic laughter, he continued going and noticed he was in an ocean. The water was black in colour, just when he looked back to where he came from he noticed there was nothing around him. He realised himself in the middle of an ocean of no return. Suddenly different visions assailed him, he faced his past, rejection, doubts. He convinced and accepted the things he feared. The visions faded and he emerged from the cave and embraced his destiny. As he stepped out of the cave into the full moon, the moon cast its glow upon him, and he started transforming. He started noticing hairs all over his body, and his body reshaping into a powerful werewolf. He gave out a howl and his voice echoed into the forest. The white unicorn appeared and its eyes shone in approval. "You have embraced your identity Rufus, your journey has only begun. May the gods be with you. May the spirit of the great Miral guide you. You are Rufus, the protector of the nine clans." Miral said powerfully. And then Rufus sets off into the unknown, ready to face whatever is laid ahead of him.