Why Me?

I walked down the stone steps of my school on my way home. I looked down at the ground, I could see my scuffed up black high tops and the tips of my dark purple hair fluttering in the crisp fall air. School only just started a week ago and it already felt like it should be summer again.
The streets were packed with tourist that came to Manhattan on a daily basis. I moved through the crowds carefully so I wouldn't bump in to anyone. The walk was long but I did it almost everyday so, I was fine with it.

I felt a pair of eyes on the back of my head though, I didn't look back. I decided it was just my imagination and just kept walking. I got to my usual shortcut though an ally. The ally was just how it always was, dirty and trash everywhere.

When I turned the corner, I realized just a little to late that I was being followed. When something sailed past my right ear, I quickly turned to see a creature with the face of a man and the body of a lion, he also had the tail of what looked like a scorpion.

"What the hell," I said under my breath as I looked at the creature. It shot another spike at my head and I narrowly dodged it. It growled at me and lunged. I quickly turned around and ran down the ally.

The gate at the end of the ally, that was normally open, was closed. I ran up to the gate and turned around. The creature was gaining and fast, I had to find a way out. I thought maybe if I jumped out of the way at the right time I would be able to run own to the other end of the ally and get out.

By the time I was done thinking about that, the lion creature thingy jumped up. I stepped to the side and ran down the ally and around the corner. I ran all the way to the park , the grass was filled with people and no one looked up. My backpack hit my back over and over in a frantic beat as I ran.

I got to a part of the park that was quiet. No one was there when I stopped and took a deep breath. I could hear the creature coming up behind me and I turned around in time to see a shower of dust.

When the dust cleared I saw a boy with light brown curly hair and green eyes. His skin was tan, like he had be outside for the entire summer. He looked like he was the same age as my fourteen year old self. He had a sword in his right hand and looked about ready to swing. He lowered his sword when my eyes widened.

"What are you doing with a sword?" I asked

"Saving your life, that's what," He said back to me.

"Well pretty boy, I can take care of myself thank you very much," I told him.

"You were about to get mauled and you know it," He said. I hated to admit this boy was right but, sadly he was.

"Whatever, I'm leaving," I said wanting to get as far away from him as possible.

"You can't do that," He said with wide eyes.

"Why not?" I ask.

"Because I need you to come with me," He said.

"Why?" I ask.

"Just listen to me," He said.

"If I'm going to go with you do I at least get to know your name," I asked.

"Preston,"

"Aria,"

Notes