animal attack 01 - alex´s quest

7/30/2019 Animal Attack 01 - Alexs quest

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Alex Lanner is a very attractive and intelligent girl, but she has a problem.

She is half wolf. This is to say, she has the ears, the tail, the reflexes, and

the senses of a wolf. The only one who knows about it is her aunt Rain.

Ever since her parents died protecting her from the Salthlex, her aunt had


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taken her in and helped her with her problem. So her aunt sends Alex to a

special school for people with *extraordinary* problems. Alex makes a lot

of friends there and quickly gets herself busy with an adventure but no

heroin is without enemies

1.

Alex Lanner looked through the large front gate and sighed.

Today would be her first day in the new school Aunt Rain had

recommended for her and she was determined not to screw up.

I wonder if Aunt Rain told them what my problem was I hope

they dont freak out too much.

Alex knocked on the door to the principals office and she heard a

friendly Come in. in turn.

There were three people inside. One of them was sitting behind a

desk and when she entered he stood up and strode over to her. He

smiled and said,

Welcome Alex. Your Aunt has told us all about you. Come, Im

Rex Anlet, but you can call me Mr. Anlet. Let me introduce you to

your new teacher.

Mr. Anlet guided Alex to the nearest chair and pointed to a man of

about thirty years old with a friendly face.

This is Mr. Laxis Ragret, your homeroom teacher. And this, He

pointed to a woman of about the same age. She looked almost

identical to Mr. Ragret. Is Mrs. Lexie Ragret, the nurse. She will

take care of you when you are sick or hurt.

Alex shook their hands and said politely,


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Nice to meet you.

Alex had the feeling that this was going to be ok but one thing

still bothered her. She frowned and asked,

Mr. Anlet, does everyone else know about what kind of ability I

have?

Mr. Anlet chuckled.

My dear, every single student in this school has some kind of

ability. Whether its mental or physical. I assure you; no one will

laugh and or be afraid of you.

Alex smiled and sighed. Then something caught her eye. Mr.

Anlets pen was moving as if writhing something on its own. She

gasped. All three laughed.

Now, Said Mr. Anlet. Mr. Ragret will show you to class. I wish

you luck on your first day! And remember, he looked seriously at

her Defend yourself.

While Alex and Mr. Ragret were walking to the classroom, Alex

was acutely aware of the bulges in the top of her hat and the large

bulge in the back of her coat. Her heart was pounding. She

thought her heart would beat out of her heart at any moment.

This was her last chance to be in school. And Alex was determined

NOT to mess it up, but wow, she was nervous.

They stopped outside a noisy door, but before Mr. Ragret opened

it he told her to stay outside until he called her. He shot her a grin

and entered. Alex could hear a loud cheering from inside and

knew the students inside must be happy to see Mr. Ragret. Three

minutes went by until she heard a faint Come on in. from Mr.

Ragret.

This is it, Alex. Stay calm. You can do it.


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Alex took a deep breath and opened the door.

The classroom was full of teens. They were either with crazy hair,

some kind ofthingon them, thing moving around them, or

nothing at all. Alex suspected those were the ones with mental

powers. Every single one of them was staring at her as she moved.

A whisper broke out as she walked up to where Mr. Ragret was.

The boys and girls were pointing at the bulges in her clothes and

looking at her with curious eyes.

OK class, Said Mr. Ragret. Quiet down and let her introduce

herself. If you have any questions, wait until she is done.

To Alex he said, Tell them your name, age, and your ability. Then

you can answer any questions they have. Go ahead.

Alex looked at the various boys and girls and smiled.

Im Alex Lanner. Im sixteen years old and, She took off her coat

and hat and turned sideways as to show her tail. Im half wolf.

Alex was a very attractive girl by regular standards. She had

shoulder length pail blond hair and the most beautiful light

lavender eyes you have ever seen. She was round in all of the right

places, not too little, not too much and her skin was almost as pail

as her hair. Many gasps and shouts of excitement went up into the

air. Almost everyone raised their hand. Alex decided to go in by

the line.

A girl with large glasses asked,

What kind of powers do you have?

Alex answered with a very broad smile. No one had ever asked her

that before.


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Well, I have all of the senses of a wolf, smell, hearing, sight, and

any kind of reflexes a wolf would have. For example, She sniffed.

You had bacon and eggs for breakfast and not 10 minutes ago

you ate a She sniffed again. A chocolate muffin. Am I right?Oh! I guess I also have the teeth and claws of a wolf but they

never show up unless I feel threatened or if Im in a fight.

The girl looked at her in surprise. And nodded, too surprised to

speak.

Apparently, the question the girl asked was on almost everyones

mind and so at least fifteen put their hands down. The nextquestion came from a boy with long brown hair and piercings.

Can you transform into a wolf?

Alex frowned at this one. But she answered just the same.

I dont really know. Ive never tried.

The next one wasnt a question at all. Another boy like the firstone except with shorter hair and pointed ears asked if she could

demonstrate a wolfs reflexes.

There isnt really enough space here so maybe later outside, OK?

A pretty girl with pink hair and blue eyes asked,

Your eyes are beautiful, is that their real color?

Alex was flattered. Never before had anyone complemented her

eyes. She blushed and answered sort of shyly.

Yes. My mother had the same color, and sometimes if I looked

really close, I could flecks of gray, like my father.

Another girl flung up her hand. Alex picked her.

Can I pet you?


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The question took Alex by surprise. She stood there for a moment,

staring at the girl. When the girl opened her mouth t apologies

Alex quickly said it was alright and walked over to the girl.

After a few minutes of letting the girl and a couple other people

scratch her ears and stroke her tail she walked back to the spot

where she had introduced herself.

To Alexs surprise, a boy in the back stood up. He had jet black

hair with ears just like hers on top of his head and a black tail

coming out from jeans. He was very handsome. He was tall and

lean with the kind of expression to knock girls off their feet. Helooked straight into her eyes and asked,

Whats your symbol?

Alex frowned again. How did he know? Does he have one too? Still

frowning, she asked,

Why do you want to know?

He grinned. Just curious.

She stared at him for a moment and then lifted up her shirt to

revile a black circle around her navel with a spiral heading

upwards and a spiral going downwards with a dot on either side.

He nodded and she let her shirt fall.

Mr. Ragret cleared his throat. Any more questions? No? OK. Alex,your seat will be right there next to Cassie. He pointed next to the

girl with pink hair. She smiled and beckoned Alex over. Alex

thanked Mr. Ragret and went over so sit down. She was careful to

move her tail out of the way as to not sit on it and waited, red for

class.

Four hours later the bell rang, signaling lunch. Alex sniffed. Aunt

Rain had packed her favorite thing for her first day, beef stew. Half


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the class left to eat in the cafeteria but Alex stayed in her seat to

eat. Three girls came to join her. The girl with pink hair, the girl

with the large glasses and a girl with small black wings in her

head. They said hello and introduced themselves.

The girl with pink hair was Cassie Clarington. Her ability was to

change her appearance any time she wanted to.

The girl with glasses was Grace Lignin. Her ability was to memorize

every single word she ever read or heard.

The girl with the small black wings on her head was Alice Nivel.

Her ability was being able to fly and breathe fire.

Alex smiled and asked them if they would like to eat lunch with

her. They accepted and they all became friends immediately. They

told her about the school and what they liked about it and then

they explained that there were three social groups in school. The

cool, the smart, and the funny.

Cassie was in the cool, Grace was in the smart, and Alice was in the

funny.

Alice looked Alex up and down and said after a moments

concentration said,

Youll absolutely be accepted in the cool group.

Cassie smiled. No questions there.

Right after the girls had finished their lunch the boy with the

pointed ears came over. He introduced himself as Toby Jalinel who

was half elf.

I was wondering if you could show me some of those reflexes you

talked about.


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Alex smiled. Toby was one of those people with those kinds of

eyes that can persuade you to do anything but she was sure Toby

wasnt the type of guy that would take advantage of other people.

Sure, Id love to. Do you know a place where I can do my tricks

freely?

Toby grinned. The field ought to be ok. Ill show you.

Wait just a stinking second!!! interjected Alice. Alex isnt going

anywhere without us from now on. Besides, I have to see this.

Toby led Alex and the girls to the track field and sat on the nearestbench, waiting. Cassie, Grace, and Alice joined him. And while Alex

warmed up she could hear them whispering about what she was

going to do. By the time she was ready, many onlookers had

joined her friends and were waiting anxiously for her to start.

Alex looked at the benches. A steady crowd was there now. But

that was not what was worrying her. Her adrenalin was building up

fast. She waved to the crowd and it cheered.

Alex turned on the spot and started to run, after about ten feet

she jumped at least seven feet in the air and did four front flips,

landing without a stagger. The crowd cheered. She spotted a tree

not too far from the benches and climbed it. The tree was at least

fifty feet high and she figured she could breeze this easily. She

jumped. The crowd gasped, and with a diving trick she hadlearned a few years back, she landed without even breaking a

sweat.

Several tricks later Toby and the girls came running over to her

cheering. But Alex had just heard something; she put a finger to

her lips telling everyone to be quiet. Her ears twitched and she

sniffed. She smelled blood. Alex motioned for Toby and the girls


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to follow and she went to where the sound of fighting and the

smell of blood were.

Two large boys were shoving a smaller boy around like he was a

stuffed animal. The poor boys nose was bleeding and he had a

nasty scratch on his knee. Alex could not stand it anymore. She

went in.

Teeth bared, claws out, she growled at the two large boys. They

looked at her fearfully. They exchanged glances and one hit the

other on the shoulder. They looked at her again, exchanged

glances again and came at her.

For a moment, Alex stood there. She was shocked that these boys

would actually come after a girl half their size. She snapped out of

it. The two boys may have a size advantage but she was quicker,

more agile, and most likely, more intelligent. With one quick,

smooth move, Alex had scratched both of the boys faces. They

howled in pain and started to run away.

Turning to see if the smaller boy was all right she felt big hands

pick her up and through her across the field. One of the two larger

boys was back for more. Alex hit the ground with a loud thud but

got up almost the same moment. Her leg hurt when she put her

wait on it but she could not afford to show pain. Not now.

A fair amount of people had gathered now, watching with interest

as the new girl fought with one of the boys in school.

Alice stepped forward to try to help but Alex shot her a glare.

Stay out of this, Alice! She snapped. I dont want you to get

hurt.

Alice wisely stepped back and went to help the boy instead only to

find he ran away.


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Meanwhile, Alex glared at the large boy, who was now growing

into a hulk like creature. Alex swallowed. This was not going to be

easy. She lunged, and caught the boy in the face again. He

retaliated by throwing her against the nearest tree. She got upquickly but was unable to hide her stagger. He sniggered.

The little wolf cub tired already?

Despite herself, Alex smiled.

That wiped the smile from the boys face.

The names Nick Intoski. Yours?

Alex.

Well then, little wolf cub, are you ready?

Alexs smile broadened. More than ever.

They went for each other. It was hard to see who hit first or who

got hit first but when they came apart Nick had six bloody clawmarks on his chest and arms and Alex had a fat lip. She was

holding her side gingerly.

They went at each other again and in ten seconds they were both

panting, glaring at each other bitterly. Suddenly, Nick started to

laugh. Alex stared at him. Stunned. And glancing at her face, he

laughed harder.

By the time he stopped Alex had caught her breath and was now

clutching her side, ready to faint.

He looked up and said,

Youve got guts kid. Keep it up and you might just survive.

And with that, he was gone. Alex just stood there, stunned.


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Tobey and the girls approached Alex apprehensively. To her

surprise, her vision was narrowing a little.

Are you all right? asked Cassie.

All Alex could do was nod.

Someone approached her. It was the wolf boy. She felt herself

falling and the last thing she saw was a faint blurry figure with

ears, catching her.

2.

Alex woke up in the infirmary with Tobey, Cassie, Alice, Grace, the

wolf boy, and Mrs. Raglet leaning in around her. Alex sat up so

quickly she almost bumped Tobeys head. But in that very instant

her head spun so fast she had to lie down again.

Harrumph! Three broken ribs and a muscle pull in your leg. In a

fight like that, youre lucky to be alive.

Who brought me here? Alex could faintly remember a figure

with ears like hers.

I did. said a deep voice. It was the wolf boy.

Alex stared at him. Finally, she said,

Thank you

Leo. Leo Nack. Half wolf. Like you. He smiled, which made him

even more handsome.

But how did you know that she was going to faint? asked Grace.

Leo looked directly at Alex when he answered.

I sensed it. Like, I felt it was going to happen.


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Well its a good thing you did bring her in. Another blow and

surly she would be dead.

Mrs. Raglet looked so concerned that Alex tried to manage a smile

but failed.

Alright kids, out. Alex needs a good rest to let her wounds heal

completely. Tell your friends she is all right, and bring her things

over. Ill be driving her home today.

When she had thanked Mrs. Raglet for driving her home and told

Aunt Rain about the day, Alex got undressed and collapsed on her

bed, only to fall asleep right away. What she didnt know was that

three pairs of glowing red eyes were watching through the

darkness, planning on how they were going to kill her and Leo.

Alex was walking to school the next day in a positive attitude. Any

time she was out of the school grounds she had to wear a thick

coat and a hat to hide her special features. Alex felt that someone

was watching her so she turned but just then, she heard footstepsrunning away from the spot she was looking at.

Thats weird. She thought.

She entered the class a few minutes later and while Alex took off

her hat and coat she felt a hard tug on her tail. She yelped, and

then heard laughter break out behind her. She whirled to find her

friends clutching their sides, howling with laughter. She scowledand said,

That wasnot funny

Her reaction just made them laugh harder.

Grace was the first to stop.

Im sorry, Alex. It was Cassie.


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Alex glared at Cassie and she shrugged. You had such a look on

your face I couldnt resist. And she collapsed in another fit of

giggles. She stopped so abruptly with such a straight face that

Tobey nearly fell over with surprise.

By the way Alex, your tail, Alex looked at her, confused.

What about it?

Cassie stared at her for a moment and then broke down. She flung

her arms around Alex and started rubbing her ears and talking to

her as if she were the cutest puppy in the world.

Cut it out! cried Alex.

But your fur is so soft! I just have to touch it! protested Cassie.

Despite her pride, Alex rubbed her head against Cassies hand,

liking the feeling. Cassie obliged by stoking her head softly. But

just then, the bell rang and Cassie had to stop and go to her own

seat.

Mr. Raglet opened the door and walked to his desk without a

word. Usually he would say good morning or wave but he didnt

do a thing until he had got out his things and put everything in

order, ready to start the class. This was going to be the first real

lesson of the year. Yesterday had been a day to get to know

everyone and get everything organized for the school year. Alex

knew this school was not an ordinary school like the others she

had gone to. It did not teach Math, Science or any of the other

subjects but thought you how to use your ability. Alex was really

looking forward to it.

Alright, everyone put your things away and follow me. Were

going to do battle training today.


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An exited whisper broke out and the class followed Mr. Raglet out

to the track field Alex had visited yesterday. Mr. Raglet turned to

the class and said,

Ok, I want rank 1s on the right, rank 2s on the left, and rank 3s

over here next to me.

Alex felt a bit too nervous but went over to Mr. Raglet and opened

her mouth to say what was on her mind when, holding up a hand

to stop her he said,

Yes Alex, you will be in the rank 1s for now, until you improve

your skills a bit. And without another word, he pointed to where

Tobey and the girls were along with half of the class. Seeing the

confused look on her face, Tobey explained.

There are 3 ranks for the battle training. He said. Rank 1 is

where the people are amateurs in knowing how to defend

themselves with their powers.

AKA, us. interrupted Alice.

Tobey continued. Rank 2 is the group where you have a higher

level of training exercises and then have to pass a test to get to

rank 3, and rank 3 is the group of people who have passed the test

of rank 2 and are highly dangerous.

There are only 3 people in the rank 3 group. Leo Nack, the wolf

boy. Isabelle Harass, the ice queen. And Neil Jonson, the trickster.

Rank 2 is made up of 6 people, but I dont know them very well.

And last but not least, rank 3, the amateurs. He grinned.

Alex smiled back. She felt happy but confused. What did Tobey

mean when he said *Ice Queen* and *Trickster*?

Well, Ill find out once I reach rank 3. She thought to herself.


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And indeed she was the better of rank 1. She had beaten almost

everyone that had challenged her. She had just left the last boy

with a bloody nose and claw marks on his arm when Mr. Raglet

came over to her.

Im impressed. He said, smiling at her. I havent seen anyone

fight that good since Leo joined us.

Alex blushed.

Thank you, Mr. Raglet.

His smile broadened and he looked curiously at her.

You know, if you pass a little test of mine, I would be happy to

award you to 3rdrank if you like.

Alexs breath caught. She looked at her friends for advice. At her

questioning look they all nodded their head vigorously. Alex

smiled at them and turned back to Mr. Raglet.

I accept.

He beamed. Great!

He guided her to a spot far enough not to be over heard from the

others and said in a whisper,

The task Im going to give you will be difficult but worth it. Are

you ready?

Alex nodded.

There is a forest on the edge of the school that no one enters

because of the creatures that live inside and is blocked by a gate

constructed by Mr. Anlet himself to keep the students safe.

Unfortunately, there is a very rare herb inside that is very helpful

to my sister and can cure any kind of wound in a jiffy. There is ahuge patch of it in the middle of the forest but it is guarded by


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some of the most vicious creatures. Your job is to get as much of it

as possible and return as soon as you can. This is a very dangerous

job, He looked at her with shining eyes. You will be in constant

danger and might even die. Are you willing to do it?

Alex shuddered. She was anxious to get up her rank as soon as she

could but the possibility of dyeing made her heart drop into her

stomach. After a moment of thinking really hard, she looked up at

Mr. Raglet and nodded.

He smiled and patted her shoulder. This journey will take many

days and nights. You are allowed to take four other people withyou if you like and if they are willing. If- whoever they are- decide

to join you, their rank will go up too, but that is up to you and

them. Come to me tomorrow with or without the people that wish

to come and I will open the gate for you and your friends.

Alex and Mr. Raglet walked back to the others as the bell rang.

Seeing their friends grave expression Tobey and the girls asked

wheat was wrong. Alex told them about the task Mr. Raglet had

given her and about the potential danger. They looked worried.

Oh, Alex. Dont do it! pleaded Grace.

Alex shook her head. Ive already said I would do it.

Then she looked hopefully at them. But he did say I could bring

four people along with me. He said if they agreed, their rankswould go up too.

Tobeys head perked up. Really? he said eagerly.

Alice gasped. You dont plan on going with her do you? You

might get killed. Its bad enough Alex agreed but you, Tobey.

For the first time since the conversation started, Cassie spoke.

Ill go.


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Alice gasped again. Not you too. She cried, now with tears in her

eyes.

Dont worry Al. Alex and Toby will protect me, wont you?

They both smiled.

We sure will. said Tobey.

Ill go too. said a familiar deep voice from behind Alex.

She whirled, only to bump into Leo, he was standing so close.

BBut...!

He grinned down at her. He was really tall.

You wouldnt last a day without me. Besides, I have experience

inside the forest and I know where the herb is.

Alex stood there, staring at him. Why would he do this for her?

What did he gain from it?

Tobey apparently read her mind and asked,

Why? What would you gain?

His grin faded but he said,

I told you, I have experience and youll need all the help you can

get.

Alex thought for a moment and figured he was right. They would

need all the help they could get. Bracing herself she looked Leo

straight in the eye and said,

Alright, you can come. But no funny business.

That made him smile again. He nodded and asked if his friend

could come along too.


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Tobey grimaced and asked,

The Trickster?

Leo raised his eyebrows.

Yes.

Alex giggled. Tobeys face was funny.

Alright, but no more, thats four people. Well meet Mr. Raglet in

class tomorrow, and bring things you would as if you were going

to go camping, light things, OK.

They all agreed and went back to class, nothing on their mind but

the prospect of the next day.

3.

Alex walked into class the next day to find Tobey, the girls, Leo

and a boy with long blond hair and black markings all over his

face, neck, and arms. This must be Neil, Leos friend.

They beckoned her over and Neil introduced himself.

Im Neil Jonson.My ability, He disappeared. Is to turn myself

invisible and tack advantage of my enemys sight. said his voice.

He reappeared and smiled.

Itll be my pleasure to accompany you on this quest of yours.

Alex smiled back. He was nice; despite all of the warnings she was

given. But she soon found out why he was called *The Trickster*.

Neil kept becoming invisible and touching on her body that she

would rather have left alone and when she finally took out her

claws to strike, she could never find him.


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This annoyed her very much. Tobey kept giving her *I told you

so* looks every time Neil did this but she was determined to get

along. At least until the quest was over.

Mr. Raglet called to Alex after the bell rang.

Are you ready? Anyone else coming along?

Alex nodded and gestured for her friends to come forward. They

came over and Mr. Raglet looked at the two 3rd ranks with interest.

He did not say anything however but told the class to wait for him

and led Alex and her friends out to the gate where the forest was.

To her surprise, Alex found that Mr. Anlet was waiting for them at

the gate. He smiled at Alex and said,

I will give each of you a hint before I let you in and hopefully it

will help each of you in your own quest.

He beckoned to each of her companions first and finally called to

Alex.

Alex my dear, this journey will be exceptionally hard for you. You

will find you have to be braver than you feel and not run away

from tough decisions. The hint I will give you is this: Trust yourself.

Trust your friends. Defend yourself and your friends.

And without another look at any of them, he opened the gate to

let them through. Alex took a deep breath and stepped through,followed by the others.

Once the gate was closed, Alex did not look back. She looked at

Leo and asked,

Can you lead the way?


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He nodded, and took the lead. He led them a few miles before

Cassie called for a break. They walked to a small clearing that was

up ahead.

Phew!! This forest is hotter than I thought it would be. said

Cassie, shedding her sweater.

Tobey grinned.

Its a rain forest, Case. What did you expect?

But Alex had her mind on other things at the moment. She had

heard something rustle the trees close to where Cassie was.

Come on guys, we need to move. Now!

Too late. A large furry hand grabbed Cassie and threw her across

the little clearing. Tobey was fast and caught her before she fell

but the damage was done. The monster new they were there.

Leo pounced on the beast and, with teeth and claws out, tore at its

face. Alex, seeing an opening lunged for its chest and slashed. The

beast roared in pain as the two half wolves scratched and bit at it.

With its huge hand, it clawed at Leo and threw him off. Alex took

this chance and went for its face. Again, it threw her off too.

Looking around for Leo to see if he was unhurt, she found him

getting up off the ground, wincing at the claw marks on his back.

Alex, satisfied everyone was alright, went for the beast again.Tearing at it with all her might, and after a while, it finally stopped

moving from under her. It was dead. Panting, and holding her

arm, she climbed off the beast, in search of her friends.

Cassie was sitting next to Tobey, trembling, while Neil tended to

Leo with the medicine they had packed. Alex went over to him.

Are you alright?


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He looked up at her.

I should ask you the same thing. He said, grinning.

Im fine. Alex replied, though she wasnt. She felt like faintingagain.

She sat down and Cassie came over to her with the medicine. Alex

smiled weakly and allowed her to tend to her wounds.

Im sorry Alex. Cassie said finally.

For what? Alex asked, perplexed.

Im sorry for thinking I could help.

Alex was Surprised to see tears slide down her friends cheek.

When I witched you fight that monster, I thought you were going

to die. I realized I could never fight like that, not with my abilities.

So, Im sorry Im being such a burden.

Cassie buried her head in Alexs lap.

Youre an idiot.

Cassies head shot up, looking hurt.

Cassie, said Alex calmly. I knew you would never fight anything

if you were going to come along. I said yes because you would be

a comfort to me and Tobey. Not to mention being helpful in otherways too. Alex smiled down at her sobbing friend. So dont be

sorry. Be happy. You see, your helping me right now.

Alex indicated her healing wounds. Cassie smiled weakly and went

to put medicine on Alexs smaller wounds.

Suddenly, Alex jumped up, yelling,

Ouch!!


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What?! Did I hurt you? asked Cassie

No. Alex frowned. Something Something bit my tail!

By now, they boys had come over to see what the trouble was.

Whats up? asked Neil.

Cassie answered. Something bit Alexs tail.

OUCH!!! Alex yelped again.

Turning to see what had bit her tail, she saw a small white squirrel

like creature clinging onto her tail by its jaws.

Get it off!!! Alex yelled.

Leo grabbed the squirrel like thing and pulled. It let go

immediately but squirmed in the arms of Leo until he let it go and

it jumped intothe arms of Alex. Puzzled, she tried to let go but it

clung to her. It looked terrified. Forgetting her anger, she took pity

on it and held it like you would a baby. It made a sound ofcontentment and settled itself in her arms.

Neil laughed, and the others joined him.

Looks like you have a new pet, Alex. commented Tobey.

Alex looked at the creature in her arms curiously.

Where did you come from?

To her surprise, it looked at her and lifted a paw towards the west.

Alex blinked.

Can you understand me?

The creature moved its head in a way that looked incredibly like a

nod.

Wow. whispered Cassie.


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Alex was still a bit confused. Ok, if you can understand me, why

did you bite my tail?

The little creature leaped out of Alexs grip and picked up what

looked like a really ugly bug. He gestured at it and then her tail.

Youre saying that that bug was on my tail.

It nodded and Alex smiled.

Thats it. Youre staying.

The little creature made a high pitched little squeak and jumped

into Alexs arms again.

Whats your name? she asked it.

Leo sniggered and Alex glared at him.

The little creature however, had leaped out of her arms again and

went into a patch of trees, returning with something in its mouth.

A nut.

Nut? Alex asked.

The creature nodded its head for a third time.

Nut it is then! Welcome to the group, Nut! exclaimed Alex.

Hes sooooo cute! said Cassie.

She put a hand to pet Nut and he nuzzled it with his nose.

Wed better get going. There might bemore monsters around. It

was Leo who spoke.

But he was right and it was beginning to get dark out. Nut

squeaked and indicated a path no one had noticed before. He

moved his paw in a gesture that meant to follow him. Alex and


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Cassie followed without hesitation but the boys werent so sure at

first. But with a look from the two girls they quickly followed.

Nut had turned out to be right about the path being ok to pass.

Not one monster crossed their path. Night had fallen and Nut had

led them to a clear spot near a small stream where they could

wash and fill their water supply. Cassie was a bit embarrassed

about sleeping in the open with three boys but the idea of Alex

being there too comforted her. Besides, Alex had pledged to her if

any boy touched one of them, she would not hold back in hurting

him.

The boys kept close as to keep the group in the safety of numbers

but did not try anything, fearing that Alex really would carry out

her threat.

They did however; stay up longer than the girls, keeping an eye on

them as they slept. Leo had been in the forest before with a friend

of his that happened to be a girl, and in this particular forest, the

creatures tend to go for the females first. The boys came out with

a plan of protecting the girls. Neil and Tobey would guard Cassie

while Leo would guard Alex. The same when fighting. This though,

made Nut very agitated because he obviously wanted to keep Alex

to himself.

The next morning they ate breakfast in silence. They had asked

Nut to show them to the patch of herb in the safest way possiblebut still had little encounters along the way. Alex had found out

that the creatures they encountered would never really go after

the boys, just Cassie and herself. But this did not worry her. She

was just a bit concerned about her friend. She told the boys about

this and Tobey assured her that he and Neil would do their best to

protect the girl. But when Alex looked at Leo he only said,

My job is you.


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This had made Alex confused but the monsters that kept coming

kept everything else off her mind except to protect her friends.

She hardly cared about herself.

After a while she and Leo put together a little competition on who

killed the most monsters. Alex was about to comment on how

many monsters she had killed when Nut squeaked a warning that

meant another creature.

Get Cassie to safety! Alex shouted to Tobey as a large bearlike

monster appeared from the trees.

Alex lunged for it but was caught around the waist by Leo.

Oh no you dont! This one is mine! He grinned and sped past

her.

Within seconds Leo had been thrown across the ground only to

get back up again. Alex clawed and bit at the beast. One strong

swipe from Leo had the beasts head spinning off its shoulders.

17. He said, a smug smile on his face.

Alex puffed and said,

I still have 18. Youre a bit slow.

Tobeys voice cut off Leos come back.

Hey guys, we found something that might interest you!

They went over to where Tobey and Cassie were crouching. It was

a small patch of the herbs they were looking for! Alex and Tobey

did a little dance where Alex did several back flips.

When everyone was done laughing, Leo said,

This may mean that we are closer to the herb patch than we

thought but it also means that there will be more monsters than


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ever. They might even be more dangerous and powerful than the

ones weve already fought.

This comment wiped the smiles from everyones faces. Alex

frowned. Was Leo right? Would they encounter monsters even

more powerful than the others? But Alex was too excited to think

about that right now. They were close, she could feel it.

Leo, however; had been right. Lots more monsters attacked them

on their way to find the herbs, bigger and more powerful. But as

dark came nearer, Nut led them to the safest place he could find

and they slept without interruption.

You know, said Cassie to Alex. We might even be back at school

by Wednesday.

With that happy thought in her head, Alex slept thoroughly.

4.

Alex woke with a start the next day. No one else was up. She gotup quietly, not wanting to wake the others. Nut was already

awake, waiting for her. She smiled at him and put a finger to her

lips.

She went far enough into the forest as to not be heard by the

others and did her morning things. When she was done she went

to the river near their camp and washed.

Refreshed, Alex decided to practice her slashing on a near tree.

She went far enough as to not wake the others though. They

would need to be fully rested for today. While she practiced, Nut

sat watching, eating his nuts. Five minutes passed and then Nut

sent a warning to Alex. A monster was approaching.

Alexs heart dropped into her stomach. A monster. This early? Alex

had never fought a monster and won without help. But she would


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have to try. Once she killed it she would go wake the others. She

just hoped it wasnt a large one.

But it was. It was huge. Alex swallowed. She was going to have to

do this whether she liked it or not. She attacked. It was another

lion like monster but much larger. It roared in pain as she clawed

its face. It swiped at her, hit her, and roared again.

Alex hissed in pain. The creature had clawed her shoulder. She

gathered her courage and lunged for its neck. Ten minutes later,

Alex was panting, the creatures head at her feet, clutching her

shoulder and limping back to camp.

Alex found everyone up and looking worried. Cassie saw her

approaching and screamed out her name. They all rushed to her,

asking what happened. Alex explained the best she could.

Neil was impressed at how Alex kept her cool and Cassie was

outraged that she did not call for help.

You could have been killed!!

But I wasnt.

You could have been!! Cassie exclaimed, tears in her eyes.

Alex smiled. Im sorry, Cassie. I wont do it again.

Cassies lower lip trembled and she looked like she was on the

edge of madness with worry.

Im sorry, Case. Alex repeated lowering her head like a dog

knowing it had done something wrong.

She had crossed the line. Cassie threw her arms around Alexs neck

and knocked her over in a suffocating hug.

Alex grinned but yelped as one of her wounds scraped the ground.Cassie let go.


28/39

First things first, heal those wounds.

Alex was flexing her arm when Tobey asked,

Alex, how big was the monster?

Alex grinned and offered to show them where the head was.

Cassie covered her eyes when she saw the place where Alex had

fallen. The ground was soaked in her blood. The monsters head

was as big as a car.

The others just stood there, staring at her.

Alex broke the silence.

Where is Nut?

They looked around but Nut was nowhere to be found. Alex was

beginning to get worried. Alex called out and Nut came running.

He jumped into her arms and nuzzled her face in an affectionate

way. Then he jumped down and pointed down a path indicating

that they follow him.

They walked for half a day without interruption. And when they

stopped for a break to eat lunch, they were feeling very happy.

Not one monster in four hours. How wonderful! exclaimed

Cassie.

But Alex was frowning. It seemed suspicious. We were getting

closer the herb patch every minute. Why were there not as many

monsters as before? Werent there supposed to be more? Where

were they? Alex thought Leo said there would be more monsters

than before.

Faintly she heard someone calling her name. The next second she

was in the air, being tossed around by TWO new monsters.


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Cassie screamed as Alex hit the ground for the fourth time only to

be picked up again by the monsters. Leo jumped and caught her

in midflight and set her on the ground near Cassie. She was so

dizzy, she saw three of everything.

Are you alright? he asked.

Alex nodded and tried to get up but Leo pushed her back down.

Stay out of this. Well take care of this.

He, Tobey and Neil ran to fight the monsters and within twenty

minutes and many injuries the two monsters were dead.

Once their injuries were coated with medicine, Alex got up. She

was still dizzy and needed Cassie to help her from not falling.

Cassie helped her over to the boys and sat Alex down next to Leo.

So this was what it was like to be helpless. Alex watched as a

particularly deep cut healed on Leos shoulder and fought back

the urge to cry. She wondered if Cassie felt like this every time shegot hurt in a fight.

Alex got up; staggered a bit and walked into a patch of trees. Nut

followed close on her heels. Probably thinking she needed to do

something privet, the boys did not follow.

She walked just far enough so the group would not hear her, went

to the nearest tree and burst into silent tears. Nut placed his pawagainst her leg, worried.

Back at the camp, Cassie motioned the boys to follow her to where

Alex had disappeared. They found her with her back to them, her

tail swaying from side to side in an upset way.

Cassie motioned for the boys to stay where Alex would not see

them but where they would be able to see and hear just fine andstarted toward Alex.


30/39

Alex heard Cassie walk to her and quickly tried to calm herself

down.

Alex? Cassie said timidly.

How can you stand it? The calmness in her voice surprised her as

much as Cassie.

Stand what, Alex? asked Cassie.

Alex whirled and saw the surprise in Cassies face as she saw Alexs

tearstained face.

How can you stand to watch us fight and get hurt? How can you

stand to feel so helpless? It was all I could not to burst into tears

watching their wounds heal!

To Alexs dismay, new tears streamed down her already wet face.

Cassie smiled kindly.

It always pains me to heal your wounds, Alex. It pains me to seeany of you get hurt. There is always the possibility if one of you

dyeing. It huts to see anything get hurt, Alex. But at least I know

the boys will protect you.

Alex stared at her, tears still pouring out of her eyes.

Cassie came over to her and hugged her tightly.

Thats why I was so worried when you fought that monster on

your own. What if you werent able to beat the monster and the

boys werent there to protect you? What would we do if you did

die? What would I do?

Cassie squeezed Alex. Alex melted with her words. She dissolved

against Cassie and cried for longer than she would have wanted.

When she was done, Nut squeaked angrily, running into the treesnot too far away. Then she noticed.


31/39

You can come out now boys. Alex called loudly.

A few seconds later, the boys accompanied by Nut came to the

place where Alex and Cassie were standing. All three looked

extremely sorry. They probably had no idea the girls felt that way

about them. Tobey spoke first.

Were sorry... We had no idea.

Neil spoke next.

Well try to be more careful.

Leo had a sudden light in his big green eyes.

As long as Alex doesnt go recklessly into a fight.

Alex looked into Leos eyes. Then she smiled and added,

As long as you dont either.

Leo grinned.

Deal.

And to Alexs surprise, her heart beat at his smile and she felt

herself go a bit pink.

Without another word, they went on.

5.

Nut was leading them to the herb patch in different ways. First,

they went on a path, second, they went straight through the

forest, third, Nut got them so close but the way was guard by a

monster so big, they were sure they could not defeat it even if the

whole school fought it at once.

Now they came up to a pathway blocked with large thorn

branches and pointy plants so horrifying that all of them sat down


32/39

and sighed tragically. Unless they wanted to take their chances on

a big monster they would have to cross this pathway.

This is so frustrating!!!!Alex thought.

She sat down to think a bit and then it struck her. She would have

to try it. If they did not do something they would end up dead in

five days anyway. She could not let that happen to her friends.

Ill cross.

All heads turned towards her.

No you wont. It was the voice of Leo. He looked at her such a

look, it kind of frightened her.

But if I dont try, well have to end up fighting one of those

monsters. What other choice do we have?

Alex was stubborn; she was not going to give up just like that. Not

after everything they had been through.

He came to stand right in her way of the pathway.

Youare going nowhere.

Alex glared at him. Who was he to tell her what to do? This was

her quest, not his.

So, Ill climb a tree and jump over. Whats the point of just sitting

here, being depressed, unless you would rather fight a monster.

Fine, you fight monsters while I find a way to cross the thorns!

Alex ducked under Leos arm and was about to climb the tree

nearest the thorn field when Leo caught her around the waist and

pulled her back.

She growled and struggled. Not long after, it turned into a full

powered wrestling match.


33/39

Alex may have been stronger than any human boy, but Leo wasnt

human either. He was also male. Which meant his strength was far

more than hers and within several minutes of teeth and claws, he

had her pinned under him. Both of her wrists in one hand andsitting lightly on her legs as to not hurt her but not let her escape.

Youre going nowhere. He repeated.

Alex scowled at him.

You cant tell me what to do.

He smiled.

He had a cut on his cheek and his hair was ruffled. She must look

no better.

With one hand still clamped tightly on her wrists, he beckoned to

Neil.

Get me some rope.

Neil tied her left hand to Leos and only when he was finished did

Leo relinquish his grip on Alex.

The rope that was holding her to Leo was thick and only twelve

inches apart so it was difficult to move. They went on until they

reached a path with two cross roads. They chose left.

The group could now see the herb patch very clearly. Tobey let outa cry of joy when Tobey was in the mouth of a huge spider, its

poisonous fangs sunk deep into his body.

Alexs heart dropped. Tobey. It couldnt be. No!

TOBEY!!!! Alex screamed.


34/39

She tried to run to him but the rope tying her to Leo stopped her.

She whirled, tears in her eyes to find that it was not the rope

holding her but Leo himself. The rope was cut.

Let go of me!!!

He shook his head and looked away.

Alex snapped. How could he? Tobey was their friend. Didnt he

care?

Alex yanked her arm from his grip and to her surprise, it was free.

She dashed before he could get another grip on her and went forthe spider.

Alex caught the spider on the back and it screeched in pain. She

slashed again. It screeched again. Then it rolled. Alex fell of its

back with a cry of rage and surprise. The spider came at her but

before it could strike, Leo grabbed her and pulled her away from

the beast.

He had an expression of concern and amusement. He reached out

and pulled a leaf from her hair.

Youre one stubborn girl. He said with a small grin.

But Alex did not pay attention to him. The spider had raised its

fangs again, aiming for them

Look out!

Alex pushed Leo out of the way.

She glanced quickly at him to see if he was okay and pounced for

the spider.

Once again Alex had managed to slash it a few times and even

sever a leg until the spider threw her off and lunged for her.


35/39

She dogged, but instead of getting bitten, got slashed by a big

hairy leg.

Her leg now bleeding freely, Alex collapsed, unable to move. And

in that moment, Alex wondered what had happened to everyone

else. With a pang of new tears, she remembered Tobeys body

lying lifeless not far and Cassies face filled with shock. Then she

thought of Neil. He may have been a jerk from time to time but he

was still her friend. And Nut. He was just an innocent animal; he

did not deserve to die like this. Last to come to mind was Leo. She

had started to like Leo. She hated him but at the same time liked

him a lot.

Alex glanced around for the others to see that Cassie and Neil

were nowhere to be seen and Leo; stepping away from the now

bloody dislocated head of the giant spider was coming towards

her, his grin gone.

Supporting his side, he glared at her.

Idiot! You complete and utter idiot!

That was uncalled for!Alex thought.

Leo glared at her again. She glared back.

You just cant sit still, can you?!

Alex stood up with difficulty. Her leg hurt badly.

This is your entire fault anyway! If we had just gone through the

thorn field, Tobey would probably still be alive!

Her voice cracked. New tears rolled down her face.

Those thorns were poisonous. He said in a calm voice.

What? Alex was stunned.


36/39

They were poisonous. That was how one of my friends died. He

was ignorant and decided to get the herbs on his own. We found

his body lying a few inches inside the thorns. Not long after, a

beast ate his body and died from the poison in his blood.

Alex stood there, her mouth open.

Why didnt you tell me?

I tried, but you did not listen. You were too busy being stubborn.

Leos voice was back to its normal deepness and he was glaring

again.

Anlet told me to protect you and that is exactly what I am going

to do.

Oh, so that is what he told you. came Neils voice from the herb

patch.

Alex turned to see Neil and Cassie, bags full of herbs, walking

towards them. Cassie was crying.

He told me to keep my mouth shut and to help in any way I

could. He was frowning.

Should we burry him? Neil was looking at the body of Tobey.

Not yet. Leo came towards Alex.

He put one arm around her shoulders and the other under her

knees and picked her up.

Hey! I can walk!

He looked at her. His face was five inches from hers.

No you cant. Not on that leg. Then he looked at Cassie.

Would you do the honors?


37/39

She nodded and Leo set Alex down on a log near her. When both

of their wounds were healed and Leo had gone to help Neil clean

Tobeys body for a proper goodbye, Cassie spoke.

Mr. Anlet told me to be strong. She said in a small voice.

He said *Be strong. Accept even the worst possible event and

everything will be alright.*

She sniffed.

Alex smiled; she knew how hard it was to accept death.

Hes ready. Called Leo.

Alex took Cassies hand and they went to where Leo and Neil

were.

Tobey looked as if he were sleeping. His face was surprisingly

peaceful. The two large holes in his side where the spider had

injected its poison were covered and the boys had cleaned away

all of the blood.

Alex knelt and kissed his cold forehead. He did not deserve to die

like this. She wiped away her tears but they just kept coming.

Cassie said something to Tobey, kissed him on the cheek and

covered her face in her hands, sobbing. Leo, Neil and Nut said

their goodbyes and then covered his body with large rocks.

Nut put a paw on Cassies thigh and the girl took the small animal

in her arms and hugged him. Neil was patting her shoulder.

Leo however came towards her. Alex looked pleadingly at him. He

nodded and without another word, she ran into his arms and

cried, cried for as long as she wanted.

6.


38/39

The journey back was easier than Alex thought it would be.

Probably because of the herbs they were carrying. Leo had said

that the animals that lived in the forest avoided the herbs but no

one knew why. Maybe because it was poisonous to them.

Nut was extremely happy when Alex told him he could stay with

them and did a few summer salts on top of Leos head, much to

his annoyance. Finally, after eight summer salts, he shooed Nut

away and he settled himself comfortably in Alexs arms. Only to

fall asleep in a few seconds.

Alex smiled. Nut would be a great friend. Especially after Tobey.She only hopped Mr. Anlet and Mr. Ragret would let her keep him.

She knew Aunt Rain would.

After e few days travel, they reached the gate to the school. The

trip had taken a lot less thanks to the monsters.

Mr. Anlet was waiting beside the gate to let them out, a large

smile on his face. He let them out and counted them. When hefinished, his smile was gone.

Five of you go in and only four return. He shook his head sadly.

We shall all remember Mr. Jalinel as a very brave young man.

Then he saw Nut.

Ah! he exclaimed, so loudly that Nut woke with a start.

I see you have another in his place.

Alex smiled.

Mr. Anlet, this is Nut. We found him in the forest, taking a bug

from my tail.

Mr. Anlet smiled kindly. Alex swallowed and took in a breath totalk but before she could say anything, he said


39/39

Ofcourse he can stay here. But you will have to take care of him.

Alex beamed.

Yes. Yes. Ill take good care of him! Thank you Mr. Anlet.

You are quite welcome, my dear. The he frowned.

It seems I will have only two people to add to the 3rd ranks.

Seeing as two are already in it. His smile returned and he looked

hopefully at Alex and Cassie.

Are you two willing to accept the offer?

The two girls looked at each other, grins on their faces. After all of

what they have been through, they were not likely to turn down

the offer.

Of course! they said in unison.

Well then, lets go tell the rest of the school the good and bad

news. Shall we?

He glanced at the group and without a backward glance at the

forest; they all headed towards the school.

END

animal attack 01 - alex´s quest

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