Chapter 2

The forest around her was one that she had never been able to see before in Oklahoma. The trunks of these trees were dense. The task of wrapping around the tree would require three grown men with their arms extended. They towered high above her to create a canopy of green above her, allowing thin streams of sunlight to filter through and dance in the air. Walking up to one of the trees, she gently placed her hands against the rough bark. A reassuring warmth spread underhand as if she could feel the content life energy of the tree, and it was trying to soothe her nerves, drawing a soft smile to her face. The air around her wasn't uncomfortably warm, but she still would've preferred it to be just a bit cooler. Taking in a deep breath, the scent of trees, grass, and faint flowers drifted towards her, calming her even further. A small tug pulled in her chest, calling to walk among the trees, and so she did. Walking with ease and feeling safe amongst the massive trees. It felt right, and she was content to do nothing but walk for hours if it wasn't for the small clearing she found herself in.

Flowers, there was nothing but flowers around her. Each one different than the rest and more beautiful than the one before it. Every flora varying different color, look, texture, and look. Never before had Isabell seen anything more beautiful in her life. All of the flowers combined creating a sea of rainbows, and almost sparkled in the light. The scent was so relaxing it washed the last of her stress away. Isabell looked at it all in awe and was afraid of entering any further into the clearing. Fearing that if she took even the smallest step forward, she would disturb the peacefulness this patch had managed to capture. The tug returned to her chest, urging her to take that step. Taking one tentative step forward, Isabell found the flowers parted before her to not get crushed underfoot. In the center of the flower bed, the flowers parted to create a large enough spot for her to sit amongst them. Isabell gently sat down on her knees and immediately, the flowers closed any space left over. Moving so they gently brushed against her arms and legs, making her gasp in surprise. Their peacefulness wrapped around her, and she felt as if she was now apart of the earth surrounding her. Isabell sat as still as possible to soak it all up and store it away. Knowing she would never experience something quite like this ever again. While unbeknownst to her, someone was observing from behind the trees.

The man watched in fascination as he watched Isabell enjoy his flowers company. Never throughout his years has he ever witnessed something like this. It was common for the flowers to move for people. It was a sign to Jason that that person was someone truly worthy of joining them. Never before had the trees been so inviting of someone. Enough for them to let her touch them and feel their life energy or, the sun to dance around them making it seem like that person was glowing, but this girl was all of that and more.

Never before has anyone been able to sit among the flowers and cuddle with them. It was so bizarre.

"How strong is this girl," he questioned to himself, "How pure is she? Is it because she may have abilities like me".

Jason immediately shook his head at the notion.

"No, that can't be right," he thought, "I just recruited someone with my abilities, and everything was normal."

There was no way for Jason to figure it out from where he was hiding. The only way to answer his questions was to go out there and meet the girl.

"Mind as well go out and introduce myself," he whispered to himself.

Isabell stared up and saw the trees move to reveal the bright blue sky above her. The sun gently warmed her skin while the wind blew softly to play with her hair. Even if this was all a dream, Isabell wanted it to be real so badly. She craved for this peacefulness to last, but all good things don't last forever. A twig snapped, and she sprang up startled by the sudden break of silence.

Behind her, a man had appeared out of seemingly nowhere. He watched her with a soft gaze, but it still put her back on edge. The last time she was alone with a strange guy, bad things happened. The flowers swayed around her as if they were trying to recapture her attention, but it was a fruitless endeavor. Both Jason's and Isabell's attention solely fixed on the other. Isabell quickly stood, and the flowers flowed to fill the empty spaces. A dark primitive feeling began to creep over her heart, fear. The whole forest seemed to darken but stay light at the same time. Sensing her nervousness, the man stayed where he was. The flowers pressed closer to her, attempting to banish the dark emotions while keeping her relaxed simultaneously.

"Welcome, Isabell," Jason said, stretching out his arms out as if he was expecting Isabell to run to hug him.

Jason was in his mid-twenties, twenty-six to be exact. His dark chocolate hair twisted into a long braid that traveled down his back. A long cloak draped across his shoulders with vibrant green vines running along its edges. Each vine reached up to create a large number four on his back. The longer Isabell stared at Jason, the more he struck her as a hippie. Her eyes traveled down to his side, noticing a samurai sword, and instantly, her guard was up. For all, she knew this guy could be some sort of lunatic, and an armed one at that. It would be in her best interest to be careful around him.

"Why do all the creepy guys have to find me," Isabell thought ruefully.

The man, on the other hand, was studying her carefully. In all this time, Jason had been looking for this girl and not once had he been able to catch even a glimpse of her. Her files said that she was living in Oklahoma, but she jumped towns so much we couldn't get a solid pinpoint on her. Now all of a sudden she's here. It was odd, but Jason pushed it to the side for now and focused on his primary objective.

"All that matters right now is that I found her," Jason thought.

"Who are you," Isabell asked, taking another small step backward.

"My name is Jason, and I've been looking for you for quite some time," Jason said, walking closer to Isabell.

"Why are you with that creep that did those awful things to me," Isabell demanded in a shaky voice.

"What man, I've been looking for you for different reasons," Jason said.

"I don't believe you what does he want now? What else could he possibly want from me?!," Isabell yelled, feeling her breathing becoming rapid.

"Please, you must calm down," Jason said, now only a few feet away from her.

"Stay back!"

"I'm not here to hurt you, Isabell."

"What does he want? Has he not taken enough from me? What more could he possibly want?"

Everything was starting to spin, and Isabell found it was hard to breathe. Fear and panic clouded her mind. Making the world tilt and grasping hard at her lungs.

"I...I can't breathe," Isabell panted out.

"Isabell you have t-," Jason started but stopped mid-sentence.

Isabell staggered to the side, and her legs turned to jelly and caved from under her. Jason threw out his hand and flowers that were swarming around Isabell's feet sprang up. Catching her on a bed of soft petals, steams, and leaves. Shocking enough, the flowers didn't get crushed under her weight.

"What's going on here," Isabell thought to herself.

Jason lowered his hand to the ground, and the flowers followed his direction. Lowering Isabell down to the ground but holding onto her in their embrace. Feeling too weak to move, Isabell curled onto herself and buried herself in the petals, searching for that peacefulness that was there mere moments ago. Jason slowly approached Isabell, trying not to scare her again.

"Easy Isabell, I only want to speak with you," Jason spoke calmly.

"How do I know I can trust you," Isabell questioned, feeling her body quiver in fear.

"I created this place, have you felt any malicious attempt at any given point," Jason questioned.

Isabell didn't say anything and grabbed her hands to stop her shaking, hiding them behind her back. Jason caught on to her fear and halted his advancement before sitting down. The flowers moved out of his way, so he didn't sit on them either. Running his hand through his hair, Jason released a soft sigh.

"This may be a little hard to swallow," Jason sighed scratching the back of his head trying to be nonchalant "But I have special abilities and something we call a protector."

"What do you mean by that," Isabell inquired.

"Well, I can change my form, a shapeshifter. Granted, it's not an ability I use often."

Isabell stared at Jason in shock and confusion before soft giggles started to escape from her. Eventually, it rose and elevated until it turned into full out laughter. Jason sat there awkwardly as Isabell continued to laugh. She sat up so she could breathe a little better, and the flowers followed as well to support her.

"Shit, I think I might have broken her," Jason thought.

"A shapeshifter, really," Isabell finally managed to say past her giggling.

Isabell stood on shaking legs and backed herself against a tree. Jason observed warily and rose with her, making sure to keep his distance. Isabell latched onto the tree she was leaning against, her mind struggling to wrap her head around everything. Of course, she would dream of something messed up like this. Jason just watched patiently to keep an eye on her.

"Of course, I get stuck out in the middle of the woods, alone, with not just some creepy dude, but a complete nut case."

"Am I crazy," Jason questioned, "Because a strong power lies dormant inside your very soul. I can feel it yearning to be released, don't you feel it too."

"You're insane," Isabell seethed once the giggles faded and the urge to scream raised its scaly head.

"Can't you feel it, the feeling deep inside of you wanting to break free," Jason asked, taking a careful step forward "Something apart of your very soul that wants to come to the surface and see the light."

"Please stop," Isabell squeaked backing away.

The panic was starting to build inside her because she realized Jason was right. There was something underneath her skin crawling. It burned in her blood as if it could phase through her skin to the outside world. Every time she felt it pulse, she would shove it down. Afraid, of what it was and what it would bring if ever released.

"I can help you," Jason said, stretching his hand out.

"Please, leave me alone," Isabell squeaked, willing herself to wake up.

"You only need a little help," Jason mumbled, feeling himself fall into the familiar trance of awakening.

All other thoughts left his mind. The only goal in Jason's mind now was awakening Isabell's powers. Jason had felt this before many times before this one. When it was time to awaken powers, people dropped all sense of self. Nothing else mattered to them besides the awakening in front of them. Jason was aware that Isabell was frightened. He was to when he was in her position. If hew as lucid, he would've been more gentle, but at the moment there was nothing he could do for her.

"Don't," Isabell whimpered, frozen in fear.

The moment his hand touched her forehead, there was a flash of white and pain exploded in Isabell's body. As if needles stabbed at every one of her nerves. A scream ripped from Isabell's throat, making it raw immediately. Nor could she help the pain that wrapped its twisted fingers around her with an iron grip. Isabell's scream ripped Jason from his trance right as she hit the ground. The flowers cradled her body, softening her impact from the hard ground. Isabell could feel her body twitch as pains hold grew tighter, refusing to let her go. Jason kneeled beside her, pressing his hand to her shoulder. Her eyes were fluttering and threatening to roll into the back of her head. It scared Jason for a moment. In all his years of recruiting, he has never seen this happen.

"Please, you have to relax," Jason implored.

Jason's voice echoed painfully in Isabell's ears. As if Isabell was in a cave rather than a field of flowers in the forest. The words rattled in her head, bouncing off the walls of Isabell's cranium. Is Isabell had the strength she would be clutching her head in pain, but her hands felt like they weighed a million tons.

"I can't," Isabell managed to gasp out "Stop...i..it."

"I can't make it stop now. Your powers are strong and must be released," Jason said, shaking his head.

Jason's heart hurt for this girl. Never before had he seen someone hurt so much from a change. There was discomfort with ever change but never pain to this level.

"How," Isabell wheezed out.

Every second that passed by Isabell could feel her body getting weaker. As if this torrent of power was destroying her from the inside out. If things continued as they were, her body would give out on her, and that frightened her. Her eyes were so heavy, and her vision was getting hazy. Isabell wanted nothing more than to allow her eyes to close. The flowers next to her were getting fuzzy around their edges, Isabell grew enraptured. Jason could feel Isabell beginning to slip away, and panic started to set in. Grabbing her shoulders, Jason turned Isabell's head, so she was made to look at him.

"Isabell please, just focus on me, clear your mind and look right at me," Jason said, his voice wobbling a bit.

Isabell's eyes focused on a lone blue flower. It was a rose, and it sparkled in the light as if covered in ice.

"Isabell," Jason called.

Isabell blinked lazily as everything from her mind began to fade. The world disappears from view and forms into a hazy fog. She focused on Jason's face and found herself drawn to his eyes. They were a deep leafy green that called out to her, tempting her to lose herself in them like a hypnotic spell. Isabell willingly surrendered herself to the feeling, and her body felt lighter. Her eyes closed as she sank deeper into bliss to fully enjoy the sensation. It felt like a cloud had come to pick her up and carried her away from all the pain of the world. It felt so good, was so intoxicating, she wanted it to last forever. The farther she to slip into this incredible state, the less pain she could feel. The more air she could draw into her greedy lungs. The mixed feeling of her newfound euphoria and the sweet air brought her sense of pleasure to its absolute max. A pleasant sigh escaped from between her lips and dropped still deeper. It was at this moment that Isabell took note of a soft tingling sensation floating through her body. As if ice was spreading lightly across her skin and shivered at the sensation. Isabell enjoyed the feeling, she hadn't felt this great, in years. The tingling faded, and the euphoria ebbed away. Isabell whimpered at how empty she felt and opened her eyes. Jason's face came into full view, and the first thing she became drawn to were his eyes. They sparkled with happiness, and a bleach white smile stretched across his face. It was at that moment that he looked bigger somehow, taller maybe.

"Oh thank god, you made it through," Jason said, leaning back on his haunches "You gave me quite a scare. I thought you weren't going to make it through."

"That's great to hear," Isabell snarked.

"I should've known that you would make it through, your will is strong, stubborn almost," Jason said, "It's good that you were able to do it though. Most people can't the first time."

"I'm going to ignore the unintended insult and continue to ask, do what," Isabell pointed out slightly confused.

"Take a look for yourself," Jason said, that smile still not leaving his face.

Isabell followed Jason's line of sight to her body. She was about to yell at him for looking somewhere he shouldn't have been before she looked down herself on instinct. Shock and fear ripped through her. Ice surrounded her in a circle, creating intricate designs and rings in the grass. The once beautiful flowers now coated in thin ice that sparkled in a mixture of greens and blues. It wasn't the ice that drew her attention but her body. It was lean, lanky, and covered in white fur with black strips that also glistened in the light. A long tail followed her form tipped in black. As if it got dipped in black paint or even the night sky. Her hands and feet were replaced with four massive paws. Each one tipped with sharp, fierce, claws. At the fringe of her vision, she could make out thin whiskers growing from her face, attached to a long muzzle. Everything held a sharper focus to it, Isabell could see, hear, feel, and smell everything. The bugs that crawled through the grass and under paws. The gentle beat of Jason's heart in his chest and the unique scent that he held. The flowers were more vibrant in color than they were before. She was no longer a human, but now in the body of a snow white tiger. Panic seized her, and she could feel her own heart slamming in her chest, the sound of its pounding echoing in her head.

"What have you done to me," Isabell yelled, half expecting a roar to rip through her instead of her voice.

Her voice was still her own, but there was an underlying deeper tone to it. It was forceful and held a feral edge to it that even she could hear.

"I released your powers, and it was so strong it was able to take its first form," Jason said calmly, and rage roiled in Isabell.

"You're out of your mind," Isabell roared at him.

"I am not crazy," Jason said, starting to feel annoyed, "Can you not see for yourself."

"I'm hallucinating," Isabell tried to rationalize "This is just a dream, it's not real."

"Will you stop being so thick headed and accept the truth right in front of you, the power in front of you."

Jason's words only fueled Isabell's rage, and her claws dug into the soft earth beneath her. Adrenaline-charged through her veins and her blood roared in her ears. A feral roar ripped from Isabell's throat as she sprang from her spot and slammed into Jason. They both tumbled to the ground until Jason was underneath Isabell. He tried to stand, but he was pinned down by Isabell's powerful paws. The forest began reacting to the situation and moved to remove Isabell from Jason. With one raise of his hand, everything around them froze. Jason looked up into Isabell's rage-filled eyes and then at the fangs poised at his neck.

"Listen to me Isabell, this isn't you," Jason rationalized, "The power of the animal combined with your emotions is making you think on a primal level. Take a second and breath to think about what you're doing."

Jason's words pulled a snarl through her teeth, baring them at him. The only thing she could think of was the rage swirling inside her. In the back of her mind, there was a soft tickle. As if something, and in that moment her sanity clicked in her head.

"What am I doing," Isabell thought.

With that one question, Isabell's anger fizzled away to nothing and the cloud in her mind cleared. Isabell released Jason from her claws and took in what she had almost done. Even in a dream world, what she had done was appalling, and Isabell was ashamed of herself. The two sat in silence for a moment before Jason let out a soft sigh. Isabell looked up to see Jason rubbing his hands through his hair. He stood from his spot on the ground and walked, so he was standing in front of Isabell. She half expected Jason to punch her, for what she had done, she wouldn't blame him if he did.

"Can you sand," Jason asked instead, holding out his hand.

"I think so," Isabell said quietly.

Without her adrenaline pumping through her, she found it hard to stand. After several moments of struggling, Isabell succeeded to stand on wobbling legs. For a moment, Isabell could only manage to stand there before the world started to spin around her. The earth rolled beneath her paws, causing her to stumble. The ground raced up to her quickly, and she felt pain in her body as she hit it roughly.

"Isabell, are you alright," Jason asked, in a worried voice.

Isabell looked up at Jason and inspected his face. In the past, she found that no one cared about her well being. It usually ended up with them teasing her or a fight between her and the instigator. Jason's face held no malice toward her. No sort of motive under his question, entirely steadfast care. It was odd for her to see such concern on the faces of people other than her parents. Nodding silently, she tried again to stand on her weak legs. It felt like her knees got replaced with rubber and her muscles had turned to Jello. Jason regarded her carefully and moved closer.

"Here, let me help you," he offered.

Suspicion filled Isabell's mind, and when she inspected him found no malicious intent. Isabell stood and leaned heavily against his legs. He held onto her, making sure not to do anything that would frighten her. Once again, the world started to spin, and the earth rolled underneath her. It took a few moments, and Jason waited patiently for her. Isabell released a sigh in relief as the world stopped spinning and the ground stopped rolling. Taking a gentle step away from his side, Isabell turned in a random direction and started walking. Exiting the clearing and heading for the safety of the trees. Jason held back any questions he had and followed close on her heels.

"Be careful please," Jason said, "You're still weak, and unstable, it would be best if you take it easy."

"I'm fine," Isabell said shortly, "But I want, no need, to know what happens now."

"Any questions you have I'll answer in time," Jason said cryptically.

"Show up where," Isabell asked.

"You'll know," Jason said and nothing more.

"Great, you've gone all cryptic on me," Isabell said, rolling her eyes.

Jason said nothing but took notice that she didn't look at him once during their exchange. She stubbornly kept her eyes forward and looked nowhere else. An inquiry that Jason would've liked to ask but opted to remain silent. Isabell found the silence oddly comforting. She focused on the sound of leaves crunching under her paws as she mauled over everything that has happened to her thus far. Jason stayed still and silent to give Isabell time to think. He couldn't help but remember when all of this happened to him for the first time. He was just as confused and scared as she felt now.

"This could still be one big hallucination," Isabell said quietly, earning a chuckle from Jason.

"I said the same thing when I was in your position," Jason said, with a fond smile, "I also remember my teacher saying the same thing that I'm about to say."

"What's that," she asked, finally looking at him.

"You'll have to wait and see," he said, with a crooked smile.

A snort escaped Isabell and turned away quickly. Attempting to try to hide the chuckle she let out herself. Jason rewarded her with a kind smile and pretended not to notice. Eventually, the forest started to become fuzzy around her. The trees shimmered and took on a see through haze. The flowers drained of color and the leaves no longer released soft crunches. It was as if the world was slowly dying and Isabell felt a pang of sadness for the dying beauty around her.

"I've run out of time," Jason said, staring at the fading world, "It's time that I changed you back."

"Wait," Isabell started, but stopped short as he quickly touched her forehead.

The same icy tingly returned to her body, eliciting another shiver from her. There was no pain this time, and it didn't sap at her strength. The euphoric feeling didn't return either, and it made her sad at the missing sensation. Her body shifted back to human form, and Isabell watched as the trees around her started to fade. Jason stepped back away from Isabell and into the fading world. The ground under her disappeared, and she fell into dark oblivion.

Isabell woke in her room with a gasp. Her vision was blurry, and she took a moment to clear her vision. Instead of the forest, she was back in her room. Isabell sat up, and a dull pain spread through her. It felt like she just exercised for five hours, way past her limit. Her body trembled as she waited for the pain to subside. Letting her head hang, Isabell couldn't help but notice long tears in her sheets, as if they'd been shredded by claws. For a moment, fear shook through her body before she shook it from her head.

"It wasn't real, remember it wasn't real," Isabell thought to herself.

Isabell crawled out of bed and out of the room, heading straight for the bathroom. Peeking into Mark and Linda's bedroom, Isabell found it empty, suggesting they commenced their day. Isabell turned to the bathroom and flicked on the light. Lifting her head, Isabell took a good look at her reflection. She looked as horrible as she felt, but couldn't help but point out that the mirror looked just as bad.

"This bathroom is disgusting," she grumbled, walking back to her room.

It took a moment to find the cleaner she had used the night before but found it in her closet. She also made sure to grab extra paper towels as well. More boxes materialized around her room as well. Hunting through the towers, Isabell found the one labeled bathroom and carried to its designation.

Welcoming the distraction, Isabell started to scrub the bathroom with fervor. Isabell figured the more she cleaned, the more she would forget such a vivid dream. With every wipe, the memory grew closer and closer. By the time she had completed her task, the vision was still at the forefront of her mind. The only thing she had accomplished was soaking her clothes with cleaner and making her head spin from all the fumes.

"Maybe a shower will help," Isabell thought.

Quickly, Isabell hurried back to her room, peeled off her dirty clothes, and wrapped her body in a white, fluffy towel. She rummaged through some more boxes to find clothes for the day and held them under her arm before making her way back to the bathroom. Scouring around the bathroom box once more, she drew out the essentials and began putting them away in their proper places. The door to the shower was open and aimed the dial for the cold water. The water spilled from the head in freezing mist, just how she liked it. Never before could she understand why she enjoyed things so cold, nor could her parents. They didn't complain, more hot water for them. Stepping into the shower, she gently closed the door behind her, shivering as the water swatted her body in icy pinpricks. Whenever she sat in such cold water, she imagined it was snowflakes hitting her bare skin in winter. Isabell took her time to wash her body and hair while taking time in between to enjoy the water for a while longer. Allowing her mind to drift and wander back to the night before and it's insane situations.

"What if it all did happen," Isabell spoke quietly "What if I didn't just imagine all of it."

The thought was ludicrous to her and shook the notions from her head. Allowing the thoughts to run off her and down the drain as if they were nothing but dirt.