Alone Part 2:

Denali wakes up, his eyes blurry and body aching. He looks around, finding himself on a blanket. The area smells of cooked fish, vegetables and tea. His vision comes back fully along with his strength. "Welcome back" He looks around and sees an older woman flipping the fish over. The boy notices an Akai symbol on her neck and sniffs. "No I am not dangerous to you boy, I only nursed you back to health is all."

"Why?"

"Not every Akai is after you. There are those that seek your help and praise you for what you've done. The man you killed has tortured many, destroyed many families, and those that are still alive thank you. But, there are those that don't."

"Is that who sent those Akai to my friends? Old.. friends".

"The daughter, yes. She has sent them after you and ordered for your death. Not that you'll have any trouble with getting away." Denali leans up as the woman holds a cup out to him. "Drink. Your wounds have not healed fully. The poison that entered you hinders your fast healing ability." Denali looks at her "How do you know about that?" "I am an elder of the Akai. I know how and when you were born. The whereabouts of your parents is unknown sadly. As well as your so-called "curse" it is no curse my boy. You are blessed to have such abilities. Your incredible healing, your transformation into one of the most noble creatures on this earth. You must learn to control it. Embrace it, this is who you are." "Every time, a plant, why?" "Your sense of smell is very sensitive. You must learn to go against it. That is why you failed your trial with the Akai. Had you not been who you are, the poison would not have affected you as much. It was not a strong poison at all, but because of your gift, you sensed every detail of it and the amount of how much was added doubled it. I expect you to train. Prepare yourself. You never know what will come next. I leave this area to you. Come find me when you are ready, and I will give you a test. For now eat, and get your rest." The woman leaves Denali heading into the forest. Denali eats the food and drinks the tea the woman made for him then heads to sleep. Eight hours later the boy wakes up feeling refreshed, his wounds fully healed, the burning feeling of poison no longer remains. He stands and looks down at a note the woman left that reads "Come to this area when you are ready. However long it may take, someone will recognize you." Denali stands and stretches looking around for the gun he had. "Dammit...". He looks around for resources and makes himself a bow and some arrows. He pats his pants pocket taking out a pocket knife. "Thank you Damien." He goes hunting watching his surroundings. "B-bored." He turns towards where the base is and looks down. He sneaks back quietly looking around seeing packed equipment and tents. "They're leaving?" He ducks down and sees Tatiana walking slowly with books in her hand, setting them down on a table before going back to her station.

Denali climbs up a tree and waits till night. "Everyone should be sleeping now." He jumps down silently and walks over to the table looking at the books he studied and wrote in a smile on his face.

"She misses you a lot you know" Damien stands packing his bag. "I miss her too... and you" "Wow, touching" he chuckles softly and sits. "Where are you living?" "Everywhere". "When will you be back?" Denali shakes his head "Not sure" Damien tilts his head "Need more self control". Damien gives him a bag with books to read and a notebook to write in. "Be safe Denali." "Always" He smiles hugging him then going to Tatiana's station kissing her head before leaving silently.

Tatiana shifts in her sleep with a small smile.

Denali leaves back into the forest to his new safe spot.

Years pass by, Denali studies by himself, getting older. He trains more, growing stronger and wiser, increasing his survival skills. His hair grows longer, his voice deeper, and physical appearance more developed.