THE FORBIDDEN FOREST
952 Words
Rufus wandered through the forbidden forest, the creaking crickets, rustling leaves, and snapping twigs filling him with fear.
He sat down after a long walk, resting his back against an old tree.
There was silence in the forest for a while, which made Rufus wonder how a place could seem so alive and yet desolate.
"I see why it's a forbidden forest," he thought.
His mind went back to Annabelle's tears and the old woman he saw in the mirror. Tears welled up in his eyes as he was convinced he was unfortunate and unlucky.
He vowed to get justice for Annabelle's father, even if she wouldn't accept him again.
The silence in the forest was suddenly broken by a noise. Rufus followed the sound 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 Rufus thought of separating 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 found a large stick beside him and projected a plan to hurriedly hit the dark unicorn.
He carried the stick and ran towards the unicorns. The dark unicorn felt his presence and immediately struck him with a force that pushed him backward.
The distraction gave the white unicorn the chance to fight back.
The dark unicorn realised defeat was near if he continued and retreated.
"We shall meet again, Miral," the dark unicorn said as it flew away.
The white unicorn approached where Rufus lay, and used the magic from her horn to revive him and give him strength.
Rufus woke up feeling strong. He got up from where he lay and stretched.
He was amazed at how strong he felt and saw the white unicorn staring at him.
"Thank you for reviving me; what are you?" Rufus asked, astonished at the beauty of the unicorn and its powers.
"No, I should be the one thanking you, Rufus," the white unicorn replied.
Rufus was amazed it talked and knew his name.
"How did you know my name? Are you a goddess?" 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, a great werewolf, destined for greatness. Your reign in this world will bring harmony and balance," 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 I cherished as a father."
"I've been banished and separated from the one I love, who hates me now," Rufus said 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 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, known as the Cave of Reflection.
Anyone who entered would either face their fears or get consumed by them.
The unicorn beckoned him to get on her back so she could take him to the place as a way to return the favour of saving her from dark Harn.
Rufus immediately mounted the unicorn, and it flew away.
While in the air, Rufus screamed in joy; it was his first time flying.
They arrived at the entrance of the cave behind a waterfall.
"In Huston's 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 walked into the cave with courage and determination.
When he reached a particular distance, he turned around and looked at the entrance and noticed Miral staring at him.
He looked tense, but Miral nodded her head in affirmation, and he continued to walk deeper into the cave.
The darkness enveloped him like a shroud.
He went deeper and heard echoes of sarcastic laughter.
He continued on and realised he was in the middle of an ocean.
The water was black, and just when he looked back to where he came from, he noticed there was nothing around him.
He thought to himself, "It's either I face my fears or prepare for the journey of no return."
Suddenly, different visions assailed him. He faced his past, rejection, and doubts.
In the process, he admitted he was afraid and convinced himself to let go, as he accepted the things he feared. The visions faded and he emerged from the cave, having embraced his destiny.
As he stepped out of the cave into the moonlight, the moon cast its glow upon him, and he began to transform. He saw hairs sprouting all over his body, and his body reshaping into a powerful werewolf. He gave out a howl, his voice echoed in 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 declared powerfully.
And then Rufus sets off into the unknown, ready to face whatever is laid ahead of him.
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