Runaway Angel

3. Dont mess with creepy fishes

INOYA



I was going nuts. I clawed at the mud around me and ran around in circles. "Calm down your majesty."  said the soldier who caught my shoulders and forced me to sit. I was panting like a dog. I was furious. I wanted to scream.

 I don't know what is going on or who the hell this guy is. "I'm Ishimi Taiko. I was assigned to watch over you till you reach the cat city." said the soldier. I feared he had the ability to read minds.

 "Where are we?" I demanded. "We are currently underground, safe from the troops above. Once the coast is clear, we can go back up and resume our journey," he said in a casual tone. He seemed to be really calm. "Why are we hiding? Moreover, why underground?" "Those men are after you. Underground is the safest. Airmen are quite defenseless here. They would not take any chances."

 "Why am I being hunted?". Silence. He clearly did not want to answer that. I was irritated about that, but I changed subjects anyways. "This is your doing then?" I guessed. "Yes, your majesty. This is indeed my ability. As you saw, I am wingless. I am a man of the earth, not the sky. You will be safe here for this is my home turf." Ishimi explained.

 I felt a bit calmer. There were no more sword clashes or shouting men. Just serene black silence in a mud cavity underground. A few minutes passed. My tummy rumbled. "Right, your majesty. We'll head up now." I felt his hands leave my shoulders. The ground shook, the roof split open and we were soon on stable ground.

 The sun was leaving after today's tiring work. The crimson sky was unforgettable. The wind picked up the white hair from my face, my frock swaying around. I was in complete tatters: my clothes were all worn out from rolling in the mud, my hands with scars that shouldn't have been there, and my hair although tied up, was loose and tangled. Who knows what my face looked like? Well, I dint. 

"We will camp out there." he pointed towards the cave. I had no idea about camping or about the land, so I let Ishimi decide. We started for the cave. I was stunned by the scenery. There was so much green. The eastern side was covered with pastures that stretched farther than the eye could see. Towards the north was a dense forest with thousands of unknown creatures and the southern lands covered a disturbing amount of mountains that seemed to be still growing, inch by inch. 

We reached the cave. Ishimi let out a sigh of relief. The cave was not deep. It was not made of rocks. "Did you make this?" I questioned. "Indeed. I made this a few nights ago." He replied with pride. "Will you stay here while I bring firewood? It gets awfully cold out here" he stated. I did not mind being alone. "I'll stay here. Just don't take too long." And with that, he left for the forest.

I was overcome by thoughts. Why can't I remember anything?  Who was that glowing figure? Why am I being chased? What cat city? All those thoughts created a bubble 'round my head.

Unfortunately, I did not notice the quiet creature entering the cave. A huge grey fish with feet about the size of a horse, with a rider in armor. The man leaped out from his saddle creating a rustling sound. I spun around and he walked towards me. I backed up with rocks in my hand. For some reason, I felt he will capture me and take me elsewhere. 

"Hey, young lady." The man said in a hypnotizing way. "Are you willing to have this candy?" He attracted me with a few colorfully wrapped balls in his hands. I knew he was after me. I had to run away. There was only one exit. I threw the rocks at his face. It hit him with unimaginable force, he was knocked over. I took my chance and ran with immense speed. "Ishimi!" I yelled at the top of my lungs as I ran into the thick, dense trees.