Aniah Liepard's Tales From The Shadows

[AniahLiepard]

I like to write stories from time to time. Sadly, they never get finished. Maybe here I can write something and actually finish it. So, within this single thread post, I will post my stories in a spoiler tag (since there might be a plethora). I do not want criticism here, for sadly I am too sensitive and I do not want to hurt anyone. So please bare with me!

Spoiler: Aniah Liepard's Tales From The Shadows 

Spoiler: Snowman 

Spoiler: Essentials 

Book Cover:
Author: Me
Plot: "He felt real." Those were the only words that rang through Brady's mind every time he saw the mysterious boy known as Jethaniel, who was well-known for his happiness. Jethaniel's mysterious nature leads Brady to often question why he only appears in the winter and disappears in the spring. Those questions will soon be answered when Brady is invited into Jethaniel's world.

Spoiler: The Story 

Spoiler: Prologue 

It was a very cold winter. Many people were locked inside of their homes, taking shelter within the warmth. Many often rushed home just to hibernate, or to avoid contact with other people in general. Nobody would dare to take their time in this weather. However, one man, who appeared to be a 74-year-old senior citizen, was walking slowly through the quiet area with a young girl, who appeared to be 9 years old.

"Pépé, are we almost home? It's so chilly!" said the shivering child yanking on her grandfather's coat sleeve. The man simply looked down at her and gave a gentle smile. "Soon enough Ginnabel, don't you fret," he said softly. The girl simply crinkled her nose in response. The man tapped his chin lightly. "Maybe if I raid the cabinets, I might find you a treat," he said looking down at his precious granddaughter. Her face lit up and she jumped up and down. "Let's go Pépé, let's go go go!" Ginnabel said excitedly, tugging the man forward. The man gave a light chuckle at the young girl as they continued on their way.

Eventually, they had reached their home - a simple cottage that rested far away from the town. Climbing up the steps, the man unlocked the door and stepped aside to let his granddaughter inside. The cottage was simple as it was on the outside. A wooden floor, a rocking chair, a glass table and a fireplace came into the scene of the two. Ginnabel excitedly ripped off her snow attire and bolted into the kitchen. The man carefully removed his snow attire as well as he slowly made his way into the kitchen.

Tenderly raiding the cabinets, the man came across a tin of gingerbread cookies. Reaching inside, he kneeled down and showed Ginnabel his findings. "Look what I found!" he said with a gentle smile. Ginnabel's eyes lit up and she clapped happily. "Yay! Cookies!" she said as she took the tin from her grandfather and waddled into the parlor. The man gave a light-hearted chuckle as he followed Ginnabel at a steady pace to the living room.

Ginnabel sat on the ground eating out of the tin in front of the fireplace while her grandfather sat on the rocking chair. Looking into the fire, the man felt exhausted, and attempted to close his eyes. Hopefully he could finally get some sleep to revive some of his energy. However, that was short-lived, for once he opened his eyes again, Ginnabel was sitting in his lap. The tin was closed and neatly placed on the glass table.

Ginnabel looked into her grandfather's pale green eyes. "You promised to tell me that story yesterday Pépé," she said simply. The man blinked a couple times before responding. "What story?" he asked, for his memory was not as sharp as it used to be. Ginnabel puffed out her cheeks in frustration. "The story about the mystery boy!" she said a little upset.

The man chuckled. "Oh, that story!" he said with a smile. He patted his granddaughter's head and thought for a moment. "Hmm...... how did it begin again? Oh yes!" he said as he looked into Ginnabel's lively honey brown eyes. From here on out, this is where the story truly begins.

Spoiler: Chapter 1 - Summer In Winter 

In many people's opinion, I am lucky to be alive. Others, however, just wish that I would die in a hole or a river or something. In my opinion, I'm just a figment of people's imaginations. I walk around the town minding my own business, and no one turns their nose my way. Do I even exist, or am I just too much of a misfit to the townsfolk? If I truly did exist, then I wouldn't be so lonely and would have friends to hang out with. The only person that does notice me is Mère, and to be frank, I do not enjoy it.

Mère swears that she loved me all the way from the beginning, but I call shenanigans. Père passed away after Mère gave birth to me, so who is to say that she is telling the truth? It's not like Père can, he's up in the clouds watching me suffer. If I ever go to Heaven one day, I'm just gonna kick him hard in the shins. If he bleeds, then that's just too bad. He had it coming to him.

Also, being a 16-year-old teenage boy with a French background is a little hard. If a person says "Mama and Papa", I say "Mère and Père". If they say "friend and foe", then I say "ami and ennemi". Their "brother and sister" is my "frère and sœur", and their "grandma and grandpa" is my "mémé and pépé". It's as if my French origin has a mind of its own and refuses to make me American. Having a European background drives me nuts, I'll tell you that much.

Whenever a person hears the name "Brayden Noles", it's the Salem witch trials all over again! Everyone raises their nose in disgust and simply whispers, "It's the Noles boy". They only whisper my name in such a manner because of my so-called precious Mère. She works very hard to raise me on her own, that part I admit, but she ignores me all the same. She either gives me the silent treatment or beckons me to go away.

As I had mentioned before, and who knows, I might mention it many times, I am a simple, lonely soul. Mère never re-married anyone after Père died, so I was forced to survive within the world without a frère or sœur by my side. It would of been nice having a sibling that looked up to me. Then, I wouldn't be so lonely. However, life is cruel and takes its own path.

Life is an eternal winter. Everything freezes over and always stays the same. Why can't my life change? It's at a stupid standstill, and I cannot push the hands on the great clock to fix it. All of those pointing fingers and harsh whispers makes me go insane. Maybe I should die, like most of the townsfolk want. They clearly would be happy without me.

I hate people, and people hate me. Not much of a shocker, in fact, it feels as if it were a stalemate. If one person were to like me, then who knows, I might change my view on his pathetic world. It wouldn't work like that though, for only one person cared about me. Sadly, he wasn't real.

When I was younger, I made an imaginary friend. He was the only one who understood my feelings, and he knew that I existed. He was never sad or angry, and we were the best of friends. Sadly, I couldn't remember his name, and one day, he left me without a word. I tried to stop him, but he never listened. If I remembered my best friend's name, then maybe he'd still be here, playing the same games we used to play.

Today, however, was just as sudden as my friend leaving me. I was walking through the town as usual, people having their backs turned towards me. I was very enraged, but it quickly subsided. Why, may you ask? The strangest thing occurred near the grand tree on the cliff, not too far from town.

There was a boy with white hair and ice blue eyes. All he wore was a long white overcoat and a blue scarf was adorned around his neck. He was baring no gloves on his hands, and his skin was milky white. What was barely visible underneath his overcoat was a pair of khaki pants and ebony ankle-high boots. I thought his choice in snow attire was outrageous, especially with a complexion like that. Sadly, that wasn't the strangest thing. The strangest thing about this human being was his expression. He was smiling.

The cheery smile adorned on his face made me want to look away, but I didn't. I stood there baring an emotionless look his direction. The smile never wavered or faded, and it looked as if he was never sad or angry in his life. I was disgusted when I saw this, but at the same time, I was jealous. I wondered that if I were to strangle and suffocate in any way, he would die with that frozen smile on his face.

I wouldn't really test that theory, for I would be shunned even more in the town. Oh, the whispers they would tell to each other! "The Noles boy killed a poor, innocent person! How dreadful!" That's what they would say I bet. If only I could test it without getting caught, but even my heart hasn't blackened to that point.

I was too busy thinking to myself to remember the mysterious boy that was on the cliff. Once I looked up, my eyes widened at the very sight. Just like that, it's as if the boy had evaporated. I frantically looked around me, to make sure he wasn't within a radius of me. Sadly, we was not, which meant that I had lost him for good. I felt a pang of hurt, but I pushed that feeling aside. "Good riddens!" I thought to myself as I treaded back through the town once again.

Spoiler: Chapter 2 - Seasonal Disappearances 

At 10 p.m., Mère, along with the rest of the town, had gone to slumber. I, on the other hand, was haunted. A kid my age would be considered a blessing and not be haunted by spirits and whatnot. However, that was not the case. Even if they did say that, they would be mocking me behind my back. "Hope Satan or Beelzebub gets to him" they would say. I bet you they would, because I can feel it right here in my gut. No one understands that I am not deaf. I can hear every little whisper and murmur they say, and yet, I stand and listen. One day, I will grab everyone by their throats and strangle them until they apologize to me. Like that'll be the day.

Anyhoo, a person that would surprisingly care would ask..... what would be haunting me? Why, if anyone was to remember, it was that mysterious boy. I never caught his name, I never caught his homeland. In fact, I never caught anything. I never want to catch anything of his..... or do I? No no, what I said is the truth. I want no involvement whatsoever! His physical appearance is driving me mad I tell you!

The insanity continued, however, for when I turned towards the window, I went at a standstill. There, sitting right on the tree branch, was the same boy. He was paying no mind to me, and I still saw his sickly smile. It made me want to grab a knife and hack it off, but I didn't bother to. If I did, as I said before, I would never hear the end of it from the townsfolk. I start to question something though...... what did I do wrong in the first place? Was it Mère? Probably. Was it Père? I don't know, he's dead! I ain't no Sherlock Holmes!

Seeing the boy again made paranoia rush through my brain. "What the heck is he doing?" I thought to myself. Does he know about me? Was he secretly watching me earlier today? He must've been, for he wouldn't be at this exact location. "Do I push him off?" I thought to myself. I tapped my chin lightly and a light bulb in my mind flickered.

Quietly and surely, I opened my window slowly. I didn't want to attract his attention, or else my plan would backfire. Slipping through the tiny crack, I crawled onto the tree branch, but that's where the plan flawed. The tree branch slightly sank, and I froze in place. "No no no no no, please don't!" I thought to myself. Strangely enough, the boy was too focused, yet distracted at the same time. I gave a non-verbal sigh of relief as I began to creep closer to him. Giving a gulp, I reached out from behind him, but as soon as I blinked, my eyes widened. He was gone.



The next day, I felt like an insomniac. I was so sleep deprived that I nearly flew down the stairs in painful way. Mère was on the couch, covered by a blanket. I gave an inaudible groan as I walked outside, the cold air hitting me in the face. Why am I so tired by the way? Oh, I know. It's because of what happened last night! That boy just vanished before I could even have a good glimpse! "How does he do that?" I asked myself. It was so annoying, getting myself involved with someone so idiotic and ninja-like. Well, he could be an idiot, or a ninja, or both for that matter, but I'll never ask.

I walked throughout the town, hearing the whispers and murmurs as usual. "Looks like he lost some sleep" I heard. "Wonder if he'll collapse" I also heard. Well, what I thought I heard at least. I can't tell, I was too exhausted to care. Like usual, I ignored, or at least tried to ignore, the people as I continued on. When I wasn't paying attention however, I was grabbed and dragged into an alley. My body was too weak to yell, so I guess I got kidnapped.

Or not. When I regained some energy, I saw a boy staring intently into my eyes and pinning me to the ground. He had jet black hair with chartreuse fringes. He had a cowlick sported on top of his head, and he had amber eyes. His skin was also very pale. I blinked a couple of times before I spoke. "Who the heck are you?" I asked him angrily. It felt like his soul was picking at me through my eyes.

I looked at him in silence. Judging from his appearance, he was clearly older than me, but I don't know by how much. He was wearing a faded leather jacket, black pants, brown boots, and a faded red scarf. "Who wants to know?" he said, finally breaking the ominous silence between. However, it was short-lived, for it went silent once again, no thanks to me. He gripped the collar of my jacket gently. "Tell me your name chap", he said.

"Brady, Brayden Noles," I said in a monotone. The boy stared at me for a minute before he got off of me and picked me up bridal style. "Hey, what's the big idea?!" I shrieked. He looked at me for a moment as he licked his chapped lips. "You seen him too? That smiling lad?" he said. I blinked a couple of times and glanced away. "Maybe....," I replied softly.

Without another word, he carried me to the darkest corner of the alley and sat me down on a worn-out beanbag chair. He sat opposite of me as he turned on the lantern that separated us. We were silent for a while, until he spoke. "Jace, Jacen Bridgeton," was all he said. I guess that's his name. "Brady, Brayden Noles," I repeated as a reply. He gave a small smile before it disappeared.

"Age?" he asked.

"16. You?"

"18. Race?"

"French. You?"

"British," was his reply. I was wondering why I heard such a familiar accent. I glared at him before I spoke. "What's this about the smiling kid you wanted to know about?" I asked him slightly enraged. He simply stared before he replied. "Don't you mean what's this about the smiling kid that YOU wanted to know about chap?" he said. My cheeks turned red from the cold as I frowned. "No, but since you're here, why don't you amuse me?" I asked in a sarcastic tone as I leaned back. He glanced down at the lantern before glancing back up at me. "Sour one, ain't we chap?" he said to me.

He sank in the other beanbag chair as he began. "You see, that boy ain't normal," he said to me. I rolled my eyes in disgust. "Nice job Captain Obvious, you solved the mystery," I said sarcastically. He ignored my comment. "No, he really ISN'T normal," he said in a monotone. He cleared his throat as he continued. "He's only here during the winter," was all he said.

I blinked a couple of times. "..... What?" was all I could say. He nodded his head. "He disappears on the first day of spring, but he appears again on the last day of fall," he said to me. I honestly couldn't believe what I was hearing, but at the same time, I could. I stood up and began to walk out of the alleyway, for I didn't want to hear any more of this garbage. I felt him grab my wrist from behind. Before I could release myself, he spoke in a dark, mysterious monotone. "I suggest you get involved before he's gone," was all I heard before I escaped and ran away.

Spoiler: Chapter 3 - The Realistic Dream 

Jacen's voice haunted me for the past two days. "I suggest you get involved before he's gone" constantly echoed in my mind. With a sentence like that, I could be paranoid for the rest of my madness-driven life! The echo is so sickening that I could vomit right here and now. However, I can't, because if I do, dumb ol' Mère would come to my aid. She would speak to me in her wretched, soft voice and constantly check up on me. In all honesty, I'd rather drown. I would go and jump in the pond and just DIE.

Strangely enough, there was one thing that disrupted the echo, and for once, I was somewhat glad. What broke the silence between my mind and the voice you ask? Why, it was the strange smiling winter boy that caused the echo. He was sitting on the same tree branch from two nights ago, and as usual, he paid no mind to me. I will never understand him, nor do I want to understand him.

I watched him for a long while. He had the same clothes and smile plastered onto him. He never looked my way even once. I began to wonder to myself. Should I really get involved with him? I ruffled the sides of my head in dissatisfaction. "No, don't do it!" I thought to myself. I thought that scolding myself would hold me back and help me live a normal life. Sadly, that failed.

Opening up the window silently, I climbed through the window and sat on the windowsill. I used the tree branch as a foot rest and waited. Again, the boy didn't even notice me. I gave a little sigh and cleared my throat. "You ignoring me on purpose?" I said to him. That's when he finally noticed me. I slightly cringed at his smiling face. It was disgusting. "Hmm?" was his reply, in the most cheerful tone that he could muster.

I frowned at his response. "Didn't you hear me?" I said annoyed. The boy blinked a couple of times before responding. "Sort of," he exclaimed. I tugged on the sleeve of my shirt. It was strangely warm for today. However, I paid no mind to it. I glanced at the boy and to the tree branch, hesitating on whether or not I should sit by him. Through that hesitation, it's as if the boy read my mind. "Wanna come over? You can sit next to me!" he said with excitement. I gave a soft grunt and clambered my way next to him.

To be honest, sitting next to someone like him felt kind of nice. I've never met anyone who'd actually get to know me. I told him the stories about the way the village disrespected me, and his eyes widened. "What? That's not good!" Jethaniel said with a pout. I gave a light chuckle, but it didn't last long, for I quickly reverted back to my blank expression soon after. His smile gave back just as quickly. I didn't feel annoyed about it that time.

Why does he seem so familiar? Was he someone from my past that I can't remember? It hurts my head to even try. I look down at my fingertips. Apparently a gust of wind kicked up and decided to ruin our chat. Never have I felt something that numb before. I wouldn't have worried about it if the boy didn't notice me staring at my hands.

"Are you getting frostbite? Maybe you should go inside!" he said as he pointed to my open window. I simply shook my head. "Nah, I'd rather experience the pain," I said emotionlessly. He blinked a couple of times before giving a soft chuckle. "Well, hope it doesn't kill you!" he said. I felt a pang of hurt in my chest. I knew that he actually cared about me, but why would he say something like that? I felt a tear roll down my cheek, and the boy was quick to notice.

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to hurt you!" he said as he cupped his hands on my face. I looked away from his gaze and gave a vivid blush. Strangely enough, he never said anything. I felt him wipe my cheek with his thumb, and heard him give a soft giggle. "There, now your sadness is gone.....," he said in a gentle voice.

My face turned tomato red at his statement. I swear he assumed that I had a fever, because as soon as he raised his hand to my forehead, I immediately slapped it away. "Don't touch me doofus!" I yelled. He blinked a couple times before nodding in understanding. "Sorry......," he muttered. I frowned at the sight. This frown of mine wasn't from disgust this time. No, this frown was from guilt. "H-hey, don't be sad, okay? I promise that I didn't do it on purpose," I said softly.

The boy still had his smile, but it was mixed with sorrow. I expected the poor boy to at least cry, but it didn't happen. The only thing he mustered up was a "Heh." I looked at my window for a solid 5 minutes. Should I go back in? I honestly didn't want to leave this boy. However, things don't last forever, so I might as well. I began to clamber my way back to my room when I heard his cheery voice. "I never got your name you know!" he yelled out to me. I climbed back through the window before I turned to him. "It's Brayden, but people call me Brady," I shouted out to him. He clapped his hands cheerfully. "Brady! What a wonderful name!" he exclaimed.

I blushed at his cheery statement. "Y-you really think so?" I said to him. He simply nodded at me. I honestly could've cried again if I had the heart to. "You better tell me your name before you depart," I said to him. He blinked a couple of times before replying. "My name is Jethaniel! Call me Jeth! Well, if it's the right nickname it is," he said sheepishly while rubbing the back of his head. I nodded at him with a blank expression. Then, when I idiotically decided to blink, he vanished. I was a little saddened by the quick departure, but because of him, I did something that I haven't done in years - I smiled.

I'll also put these stories on Miss Literati, just for the fun of it. Even though you'll see the same stories, here's my account.

You can still comment too, it won't kill you. xD