The Journey In Winter

I hurried to exit the hospital as stealthily as possible. I don't know what Zuan is thinking, but all I can do is follow what he's telling me.

Zuan was guiding me in every move I should make; however, my sight was slowly being shadowed when I saw Christian in the hospital lobby while talking with someone. I don't recognize who it was.

"Kid, your priority now is to leave this hospital. Calm yourself and don't be swayed."

I asked Zuan where to go with a down-to-earth face and a low, dead voice.

"Look for the nearest mountain where it's not populated. I will train you there; I'll teach you techniques on how to survive in this unfair world."

My heart was already numb, but it always pains me whenever it crosses my mind what happened to my mom, my dad, and me.

I lost my mom, and now my dad. What should I do now? Should I just pursue revenge? No! I should train and let them fear me!

Just wait for it, Christian! Not only you, but your family and friends as well! You'll be the last one to die, and I'll make sure to make your life a living hell like what you have done to me!

As I exited the hospital, my body turned itself toward the hospital. I don't quite understand, but I'll make sure to come back.

Days passed, my tears had already stopped falling, my heart became numb, and my mind was only thinking about how to shred Christian alive!

"Kid, rest for now. Tonight, you will steal some clothes, food, and other necessities."

"Alright, before we reach the mountain. Maybe a full stomach and a well-rested body are needed."

"Kid, I'll make sure to make you the greatest villain to ever exist, but are you ready and resolved to become one?"

"I don't need to become the villain, because I'm already one."

As Zuan smirked, he told me to rest in the waiting shed. Time has passed; it's already midnight, and I smell like shit.

"Kid, Are you ready?"

"I am, always."

We went to a village nearby and broke into someone's house, took some necessities, took a break, and ate some meat.

My stomach's full, and I'm ready to go, but we didn't expect that the owner would wake up. When the lights turned on, I found myself composed and calm.

"H—hello? I— called the police, "Please get out."

Calm voice, curvy body, and white hair. I approached her and said

"I'll leave; just let me take a bath, Angela."

When he heard my voice, I saw his confused face, and her face slowly turned annoyed.

"You stink! Go take a bath. I also need to talk to you, you brat!"

Angela greeted the officer at the door and let them come inside to have some coffee. When I left the bathroom and met the police, I felt hostile gazes.

"Hello, young man. Why did you break into your friend's house instead of asking her for her permission?"

"I'm sorry, sir. I thought she was already asleep; my house was far away, and coincidentally, I was here because of some business."

"Alright, just make sure it won't happen again; we will leave now since it's late. "Do you need a ride, young man?"

"I'm fine; I'll just sleep here."

"W—what! Who said?"

"Why? Can't I? You used to sleep in my bedroom too?"

I know what the officers are thinking with those obvious faces; why don't you try to hide it? You guys looked disgusting.

"Well, we are going now, miss. Have a great night, both of you."

"S—see you, officer! I'll escort you to the gate since I need to lock it too!"

What a bunch of morons, anyway. I need to pack the things I need so I can rest. I'm ready for tomorrow, and I'm looking forward to it.

"Hey, I heard about what happened to you. It's unfortunate, but don't let it affect you too much—"

"Just don't mention it; I need to go."

"Where are you going? And aren't you going to apologize first?"

"There's nothing to apologize for; I'm intended to break without remorse."

"You changed, Gareth."

"I didn't; you just don't know me."

I saw the pain in her eyes and her sad face. This is not the time for this; I need to fulfill my purpose and pay Christian and his family back.

"I love you, Gareth."

"Thanks."

"Wait!"

I left her house and felt a cold breeze. My heart ached, but there's nothing I can do for now; I must hurry and—

"Please, Gareth. "Come back to your senses—"

I removed Angela's arms that were wrapped around my waist and told her.

"Stay away from me from now on, and when you see me in the future, act like you don't know me. Goodbye."

This is the best way for both of us. I must become a cold person to not shake my firm resolution. I've already decided to walk this path; love doesn't have a place in my heart or mind.

I continued to walk towards the nearest mountain, as Zuan instructed me to do. As I walked, too many things and emotions were happening inside of me.

I brought clothes, a knife, some canned sardines, and a bottle of water.

"Kid, what you have done was the right thing to do. When you reach your destination, I'll guide you thoroughly."

I need to pay full attention starting now to achieve the things I want. This hatred of mine won't be swayed by mere affection.

Days passed, and I finally reached my destination, the heart of the montane rain forest. This is the start!

"Kid, this will be the start of your harsh training. You need to learn different kinds of techniques to survive here; you can also use them in your revenge."

"You need a firm determination to survive, different kinds of traps, how to hunt, how to survive, and you should also learn how to become one with nature."

I built a hut as Zuan instructed, collected some branches, and boiled some water from the river. He taught me how to filter water, how to set basic traps, and basic hunting techniques.

"You don't need to rush things for now, kid. Let them taste happiness for now. They will be wary of your disappearance and will be on guard."

"You need to let them think that you're dead, even if it takes ten or twenty years. Your priority now is training your mind and body. Don't be impatient."

Zuan's slowly teaching me the basics of expertise. I trained my body by exercising and sparring.

Days have passed, and I'm already accustomed to this lawless world. The training was extraordinary and extremely difficult. I'm slowly but surely learning things I couldn't imagine in my daily life.

Suddenly, the sky turned gloomy, and the birds started to chirp!

"Hoho— you sure have grown fast, Little Gareth."

"I greet the ferryman of Hades."

"What are you doing here, Kharon?"

"Hoho— cold as ice, I assumed you got accustomed to my presence."

"Get to the point."

"Being fearless is great! I have come to give you another special present, Gareth."

"What is it?"