Wings of Change

Chapter 9: Taking Flight

"HAWKKKKK!" he shrieked, abandoning the chase and spiraling downwards into the overgrowth. Ahead, he could hear Chedder's heart racing almost as rapidly as his own. The shadow grew darker as the hawk, spotting movement, circled back and began coming closer.

Phineas dove for cover within a large fern, trying to ease his thumping heart and the painfully bright glow from his wings. If there was one thing the ferocious beast would see, it would be a bright glowing fairy, perfect for an afternoon snack.

Getting eaten by a bird was extremely low on his to-do list. Right down there with get discovered and tell everyone the truth. The hawk could eat him then, once everyone hated him, but not yet. For now, he needed to stay low, stay hidden, and stay alive.

The hawk circled closer, screeching a terrible call, most likely to its friends to come and help, like tasty mouse and fairy over here! Come get it!

Where was Cheddar anyway?

Realizing the mouse wasn't near him, he cautiously peered around the end of the fern. When he could see nothing, he dared a whisper. "Cheddar? Are ye there?"

There was no response from the mouse.

Desperately, he scanned the trees for signs of Vidia. The fast-flyer had been right behind him. Surely she had seen the hawk, right? She was probably on her way to get help now as he thought. So where did that leave him? Cowering in the shadows, waiting to be rescued while there were fairies out there, putting themselves in danger for his sake.

Some Protector I am.

And that was when the thought came to him. I am the Protector. I am supposed to be keeping everyone safe, not hiding, waiting for someone else to rescue me. I can do that all by myself! I can find Cheddar and get us both out of here in one piece.

"CHEDDAR!" he hissed a third time.

There was a shuffle from a patch of grass a short distance away and he recognized the patch of gray momentarily become visible before vanishing once more amongst the grass.

He's alive!

So that was a start at least. Now all he had to do was figure out how to get to the mouse and get them both away before the hawk spotted them.

Piece of cake.

Right.

"Cheddar," he said, forcing his voice into a whisper as he knelt against the dirt and held out his arms toward the frightened creature. "Here, boy. Come here. It's all right." Even as he spoke, he kept his eyes toward the sky, watching the hawk cautiously. "Come to me," he went on, forcing every bit of animal talent into his words. The mouse seemed to understand. "That's it," the tinker hissed, unable to hold back the breath of relief as the rodent started toward him. "You're almost there. Just a little bit further."

Where are Vidia and Clank?!

They should have been back a long time ago, he realized. The scout outposts were just across the meadow. They could have flown halfway across the hollow by now! He felt the fear surge inside of him. What if the hawk had caught them? What if no one was coming to help? What then?

I have to get us out of this mess, he decided, crouching down on one knee to coax the timid mouse the rest of the way. Cheddar was so close, just a small patch of grassless dirt to go, and--

As the mouse scrambled toward him, a furious scream could be heard from the air and he spun just as the hawk honed in on the mouse and dove, talons extended wide, victory in its soulless eyes.