Prologue
Tonight had been a glorious night of hunting and frolicking about, the best part for Leaf had to be the hunting. Though she was far more engrossed with chasing wild boar than measly fish, running through the forest gave her a thrill. Her knife embedded in the flesh of the animal, when she stripped it of it’s flesh. Then after she would go down to the river and soak her bare body in the crystal water.
It was at this moment when she felt most content, when she knew that life couldn’t get any better. She had a entire island to herself, free to live how she sees fit. She knew of the outside world, she knew that she came from that big open place. She had small memories of her parents before they came here, it had been a difficult transition for them - but not impossible.
Leaf swept her hair out of her eyes, looking up at the large white globe that held so much mystery. A smile tilted the corners of her lips at the corners, as she allowed the water to swallow her whole. The smell of dead animal flesh and blood was soaked away by the pristine water, she grabbed an old pail she had washed thoroughly before taking it and dumped the contents of it on her head. A shiver ran down her naked spine, the soft wind caressed the skin of her back before wisping past her.
A distant howl of wolves alerted her from her bath, the sound froze all the blood in her body. As quick as a flash she dressed herself - taking the carcass with her as she fled through the bushes and trees. Wolves were excellent hunters, especially at night. To go up against them was like signing your death certificate.
Her rough padded feet made little noise, it helped that she perfected the art of sneaking around as to not alert her prey. The water remained on her body, effectively soaking through the old cloth.
Once she reached her destination, she was quick to tug on the rope that was hidden behind the giant sequoia. Her breaths came out in pants as the familiar sound of multiple paws came barrelling in her direction. Quick as a flash, she lifted her body with an almost inhuman strength. The snapping of jaws beneath her feet made her let out a startled yelp.
A close brush of saliva soaked teeth made her climb faster. The mutts let out defeated howls as they circled the tree, the pain in her feet increased as she climbed higher and higher. The thick branches with sprouting leaves appeared.
Her pulse raced as the howl grew distant, her hands and feet didn't stop until she reached the familiar hut. Her small hands fisted as she lifted the thick square plank, the words printed on it had become a mystery.
She let out a breathy gasp, as she lifted herself up effortlessly, making sure to take the rope with her as she entered. She sealed the little door shut, making sure to click the latch too.
Her lips spread into a cheeky grin as she let out a shout of victory, her eyes wandered down the forest floor. The familiar relief grew in her chest, another brush from death.
She carried the dead animal to her makeshift table which consisted of a large plank of wood and some barrels to help with balance. The many walls and windows were made from parts she had salvaged from the shores.
The kitchen was an array of parts from an abandoned ship and bits of aeroplanes that never made there destinations. She also picked up a hand radio, her fingers gently brushed along the two knobs before she switched it on. The familiar tune of a male voice halfway through a power ballad, her hips swayed on their own accord. She grabbed the animal roughly, in her hand a sharp knife.
The sound of gutting flesh was otherwise muted as she hummed gently, her bloody fingers reached over and turned the small device up higher. The sound reached its peak, just how she liked it.
All through the night.
