- Old Memories -
🐾────── 🐺 ──────🐾
As soon as Samuel stepped through the portal, he felt the air around him change. The glowing passage vanished behind him, as if it had never existed. He blinked a few times, adjusting to the natural light.
What he saw left him speechless. Enormous trees rose around him, their canopies swaying gently in the wind. The scent of flowers and the distant song of birds filled the air. But it wasn't just that. There was something about this place that made him feel... at home.
"This is... familiar? These trees, the flowers, the nature... magic?" He looked around, trying to understand where he was, until the memory came rushing back.
"I remember... It can't be real. This place, this world. How is this possible?" He rubbed his face again, trying to convince himself he wasn't dreaming.
With doubts and reflections flooding his mind, the boy began to walk through the forest, searching for something—or someone.
As he walked, memories of the stories he had once created in this place began to flow. There was something strange, but not necessarily bad; it was the feeling of a presence nearby.
"It's strange to be here. I feel like I've been in this world before. A world I created in my notebook..."
Suddenly, he stopped; the sensation grew stronger. He knew who might be responsible for that presence—but before he could react, a row of rocks rose from the ground and was hurled toward him. By reflex, he dodged and fell to the ground, narrowly avoiding being hit. "It really is him. I have to act fast before he attacks again."
He stood up and looked around, trying to identify where the attack had come from.
— Hunter, you are not welcome here. Disappear. This is your final warning. Next time, I won't miss. I'm warning you! — a deep and threatening voice echoed through the forest.
In the distance, the boy saw a black wolf, its red eyes glowing with a powerful aura. The wolf looked directly at him, as if it could feel his heartbeat.
— I warned you, hunter. That was your last chance. Now face the consequences! — the wolf said, preparing to attack again.
Before the wolf could strike, the boy made a gesture with his hands and bowed before the creature.
— Human? How do you know how to do that? Who taught you? — asked the Wolf, surprised.
— You don't seem like an ordinary human or a common hunter. Those clothes, that look... Who are you, and what are you doing here?
The boy stood up straight.
— I'm not from here. I came from a very distant place. You wouldn't believe me if I told you. — the boy replied, his voice firm.
— What are you talking about, human? You don't seem to be a god or a divine being. Why should I believe the words of a mere human? — the Wolf challenged.
— First, you need to trust me and what I'm saying, Alpha. — said the boy, with intensity.
— You know who I am, you come here claiming to be from another world, and you want me to trust you? — the Alpha asked, his skepticism hanging in the air like a shadow.
— I was sent to your world for a reason—to save it. But I don't know how I'm supposed to do that.
The Alpha sighed, his expression growing more thoughtful.
— If what you say is true, then maybe I can trust you. But you'll have to convince me and explain everything. Understood?
The boy nodded.
— Good. For now, come with me, human. I'll take you to my pack so we can better understand your situation.
The two set off together toward the pack, the tension in the air slowly fading as they walked side by side.
After a few minutes, they arrived. The pack was impressive, with many wolves, decorated dens, and a magical aura surrounding the place. The Alpha led the boy to his den, where they sat.
— Very well, human. Since you seem to know me so well, I'd at least like to know your name. — said the Alpha.
— My name is Samuel, but you can call me whatever you prefer. — Samuel replied.
— Samuel, it's a pleasure to meet you. Now that we've introduced ourselves, I'd like you to explain why you've come to my world. — asked the Alpha, his voice full of expectation.
— It's complicated — Samuel began, hesitating.
— Complicated? What do you mean? — questioned the Alpha, curiosity in his eyes.
— I had a strange dream before I came here. I dreamed of a light. It said I was chosen to save everyone from something it called 'the forgetting.' My mission is to save worlds that haven't been forgotten yet. I tried to ask questions, but the light said they would be answered in time. — Samuel explained.
— So this light chose you and didn't explain why? — the Alpha asked, eyes fixed on Samuel, searching for sincerity.
— Basically, yes. But there must be a reason. I came from a devastated place, where creatures called dominators destroyed our world. I learned to survive and protect myself, even knowing I couldn't defeat them. — Samuel continued, the pain in his heart echoing in his words.
— I see... So you came to my world to save it from the 'forgetting'? — asked the Alpha, his expression softening.
— In short, yes. — Samuel confirmed, feeling a slight relief for finally revealing the truth.
— I understand. We'll continue this conversation later. You must be confused and too tense to think clearly. — said the Alpha, noticing the tension in Samuel's shoulders.
— I'm not scared. It's just... everything happened so suddenly. — Samuel replied, steadying himself.
He stood calmly and walked to the entrance of the den.
— I never imagined, not even in my dreams, that one day I'd come here. I always wished I had been born in this world, living a peaceful life with my family and friends. — he said, looking around, admiringly.
— Now that I'm here, I feel so light and safe. It feels like a dream, but it's real. — Samuel sighed, a mix of nostalgia and hope in his voice.
The Alpha approached.
— I feel something in you, boy. Something that makes me want to believe in your words. If you came to save this world, then fulfill your destiny. That feeling of safety means you feel at home. You really did create a special bond here, didn't you? — the Alpha observed, his voice filled with understanding.
Samuel nodded.
— Stay with my pack tonight. Tomorrow you can continue your journey. Some wolves may judge your presence, but don't worry, they have their reasons. The war has been hard, with daily attacks and losses. — said the Alpha, concern in his voice reflecting the state of his people.
— I'm sorry about that. I regret that humanity has brought suffering to your world. Our race is selfish and never should have existed. — Samuel lamented, the weight of his species' guilt heavy in his heart.
— Don't speak that way about humans. Not all are the same. There are humans on our side in this war—good people. — said the Alpha, defending their human allies.
— I know, but... — Samuel began, interrupted by a wolf who arrived in a hurry.
— Alpha, we need your presence in the valley. It's urgent. — said the wolf, urgency in his tone.
— Alright, I'll be there soon. Samuel, stay here tonight. It's safer and more comfortable. I'll be back shortly. — said the Alpha, leaving with the other wolf.
Following the Alpha's advice, Samuel decided to wait for his return, but restlessness consumed him.
A few hours had passed, and the Alpha still hadn't returned.
"This must be something important for him to take so long. Maybe I should explore the pack a little." — Samuel thought.
He stepped out to explore, admiring the peaceful surroundings. "This place is so calm. You wouldn't even think they're at war. I could help them with that... I need to understand my purpose here." His mind buzzed with possibilities.
As he wandered, Samuel noticed the wary glances from the wolves nearby. Some murmured to each other, clearly uneasy about his presence.
Eventually, he reached a small lake and stopped to admire it. "This place is perfect. I was a fool to let this world suffer because of human greed. But now I know how I can help. I'll fight by their side and end this war." — he decided, unaware that four wolves were approaching.
One of them threw a stone at him, but Samuel caught it effortlessly.
— Looks like this hunter isn't as useless as we thought. — one of the wolves mocked.
Samuel ignored them and tried to walk away, but a hand made of water rose from the lake and grabbed him.
— Where do you think you're going? Without your hunter friends, you're nothing. Time to learn not to mess with wolves. — one of them sneered, laughing.
Already tired of the insults, Samuel broke free from the watery grip and calmly approached. The mocking wolf was knocked out instantly with a single, precise blow to the head.
— I'm not someone you can mock so easily. — Samuel stated firmly.
Enraged, the remaining three wolves attacked at once, but Samuel dodged each strike with impressive agility. His movements flowed with fierce grace, as if guided by instinct itself.
— You'll pay for hurting our friend! — shouted one of the furious wolves, lunging with his jaws open and claws ready to rip.
But Samuel, with a swift movement, dodged and knocked the wolf unconscious with a single blow.
The last two wolves, now more cautious, launched a combined attack. One conjured a wave of energy that nearly hit Samuel, but he was already preparing to evade. Before he could move again, the second wolf cast a powerful gust of wind that hit him head-on, throwing his body back violently. The impact was brutal—he felt pain in every inch of his body. Blood trickled down his forehead and side, but he didn't back down.
Breathing heavily, he stood again, his hands glowing with a golden aura, as if his pain only fed his determination. The glow faded as quickly as it came, but something in his posture said he wouldn't step back anymore.
— Why don't you just die already?! — screamed one of the wolves, as they both cast another spell together, summoning a storm of sharp stones hurled straight at Samuel.
Even after the direct hit, Samuel remained standing, his body stained with blood. But his face showed no pain—only unwavering determination. He glared at the wolves, fury in his eyes.
Before they could strike again, the Alpha arrived, his roar cutting through the air.
— What's going on here? Fighting within our own pack? Don't you know we're at war and can't afford to be divided? — the Alpha growled, his imposing presence making the others hesitate.
— He started it, sir! He attacked us. Can't you see we're injured?! — one of them replied, pointing at Samuel, indignant.
The Alpha glanced at the wolves and then locked eyes with Samuel. The tension was palpable, but his experience as a leader prevailed.
— I was away, but I know what happened. Just because he's human doesn't mean he's evil like the other hunters. You need to understand that we can't fight our allies. He is one of us. If this happens again, there will be consequences. Now leave, and take the others with you. I expect this not to happen again. — the Alpha said firmly, his eyes gleaming.
— Yes, Alpha… — the wolves muttered, ashamed, as they quickly left, carrying the unconscious ones with them.
The Alpha let out a long sigh, the weight of leadership pressing on his shoulders. He turned to Samuel with a softer expression.
— Quite the welcome, huh? I'm sorry about that. Like I said, they still hold a grudge against hunters. I promise it won't happen again. — the Alpha said with regret in his tone.
— It's nothing. I've been through worse. — Samuel replied, wiping the blood from his face with his sleeve. Deep down, he knew this fight wasn't just about him—it was about the scars and fears the wolves still carried.
— If you say so. Come on, it's almost nightfall. It's dangerous to wander alone out here. — the Alpha said, glancing at Samuel's injuries with concern.
The two of them walked back toward the Alpha's den, while the other wolves watched in silence. The air was thick with tension, but slowly, the Alpha's presence helped restore some quiet.
Once they arrived, the Alpha turned to him.
— For a human, you fight well. You've got potential. It would be good to have someone like you on our side. Why don't you stay? — the Alpha asked, a slight smile softening his features.
— Might be a good idea… but are you sure the others would accept that? Some of them still seem against me. — Samuel replied, aware of the lingering resentment.
— After what you did today, I think they understand who they're dealing with. — the Alpha said with confidence.
— Then I'll stay. And I'll do my best. — Samuel decided, a new purpose blooming inside him.
— Great. Now you should rest. You must be hungry. Haven't eaten since you got here, right? — the Alpha asked.
— Didn't really need to, but thanks anyway. — Samuel said.
— No problem. Eat some fruit and get some rest. Tomorrow will be a long day. — said the Alpha. — I have a few things to handle tonight. Stay here and don't go out alone. You've got everything you need here.
— Alright, don't worry. And… thanks for the concern. — Samuel replied, settling down.
The Alpha gave a nod and left. Samuel sat for a moment, reflecting on everything that had happened. His head was filled with thoughts. He had never imagined himself in a place like this—fighting alongside wolves and being accepted, even through so much resistance. He wondered what else awaited him… and what his true purpose in this world might be.
He ate a few fruits the Alpha had left and laid down, his body tired but his mind restless.
"What a day... I've never been treated this well before. He kind of reminds me of my father. I miss him… and my family. I wish they were here with me, living a better life… free of pain. I miss them so much."
With those thoughts, Samuel closed his eyes, letting the silence of the night embrace him. He felt a peace he had never known before… but war and the weight of his destiny still waited in the shadows.
🌙────── 🐾 ──────🌙