3

Chapter 3

"Shit!" the stranger cursed under his breath, pulling out a bow from his back and firing an arrow through the air, piercing through one of the wolf's legs. "I knew I should've brought more arrows! Stupid!"

As soon as the words left his mouth, a new arrow flew past his ear and embedded itself in the wolf's back. The animal gave a roar of pain as it stumbled backwards.

"Damn, kid," the newcomer said. He stepped over to the beast, drawing a third arrow and shooting it into the eye of its wounded leg.

The wolf cried out in pain, stumbling back several paces, trying to shake off whatever was inside of it. Then it ran away, disappearing into the distance, leaving Furi behind completely confused as to what had just happened. Who the hell was that guy?

Who was he?

"Oi, brat!" the stranger yelled, looking down at him, "what are ya standing around for? You alive or what? Move your ass!"

"Huh?" Furi questioned, staring up at the figure in surprise, "You're… you're alive too?"

The stranger rolled his eyes, "Yeah, well, don't get any ideas! You're stuck with me whether you like it or not!"

"…Oh…" the young man murmured quietly. That was true; there was no way he could get back home now. Not with that huge dog running off and taking his best friend along with him. Besides, it wasn't like he cared about dying anyways, so what was the point of fighting it? Besides, he was already dead. So what was the point in struggling against fate?

"Come on, hurry up and follow me," the man grumbled, beginning to jog away.

Furi stared at the stranger for a couple moments longer before following closely behind him. When they finally reached the end of the clearing, he finally noticed that both his hands were gone. It also wasn't just his hands he couldn't feel though… he couldn't see either. And for some reason his mind kept reminding him that it would've taken much more to kill a werewolf.

This wasn't good! At all! How was he supposed to fight with no sight!? This was bad! Really bad! He didn't have any weapons or even any food at hand! This was all because of the stupid cat, who had dragged him into such an ungodly situation…

Just as the thought crossed his mind, his stomach began to rumble loudly. His cheeks burned red as he remembered his predicament and he quickly lowered his head, feeling embarrassed at his reaction. It had to be the wolf that had taken his hand in exchange for food.

He'd probably never see him again… or his friend, for that matter. They'd probably moved on to wherever people went after they died, right?

Well, then what was the big deal? He could just go on living like nothing had ever happened. Sure, he couldn't see anything, but at least he hadn't lost everything.

But he sure wished he could see…

Furi frowned. What would the consequences be? Was his life going to be ruined, like everyone else's? Well… at least there would be no more pain… right?

He shook his head. No. He refused to give up. If he was dead, then fine. If he lived, then he would make sure nobody hurt the people who loved him again.

With renewed vigor and resolve, the boy followed the stranger across the fields and further into the forest, until they eventually reached a familiar looking house.

He walked through the door into a kitchen where he found a young woman preparing lunch, cooking something on the stove.

"Good morning! Is that coffee I smell?" she asked happily while grabbing one of the mugs from the cupboard.

The stranger nodded. "It is, thank you." he answered.

"You're welcome. Here