Seraph Of Death

Chapter 9: Serpents also cry

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Thousands of years ago on Planet Detroi

Medusa's pov:

"Catch her!"

The raucous voice of kids fills the forest air, their shouts echoing through the trees.

"She cannot run far" another yells.

Four unruly children race through the woods in search of their prey, the ophiophilic angel.

"You two go that way, Rochel, stick with me."  orders the gang's leader, and they split up, fueled by determination to capture their quarry.

That quarry is me.

Lluisa.

I can hear their huffs and shouts just a few metres away. Stopping now would be signing my own demise.

Sure, they could cut one of my wings, but outrunning them now is still within my grasp.

Instinctively, I slip into a narrow crevice nestled between some sizable rocks veiled by vines and shrubs. Maximus and Rochel approach, oblivious to my concealed presence. I hold my breath until they move on.

A sigh of relief escapes my lips as I lean against the rocks, only to lose my balance and stumble into an unfamiliar part of the forest, hidden from the unusual haunts. Though I've navigated these woods to escape bullies like Max and his gang, this territory is uncharted.

Inside the enclave, darkness envelops me, the towering trees casting a dense canopy above. I navigate cautiously, my paths obstructed by thick roots protruding from the soil. One catches my footing, igniting a sharp pain that forces a cry.

Suddenly, I hear approaching footsteps once more.

Have they found me? I wondered, beads of sweat tracing down my face.

I told you she would be in here; I can pick her voice," Rochel's distant void pieres the silence.

Like prey fleeing the predator, I bolt.

If they catch me again it's another round of torment, perhaps worse.

Since infancy I have endured a litany of assaults and insults because I was seen by others as a monster, snake, impure breed and one-winged. Bullied by my angelic peers for my love for snakes, I found solace in this forest, until now.

Selected for the junior army training programme, I hoped to defend the rest of my kind-the helpless-but instead it's been a nightmare.

Max and Rochel corner me, flanked by  Yale and Ferr. I'm trapped.

"What's wrong ugly? Nowhere to run," Ferr snares.

Max pulls my hair. "Thought you could escape me, huh?" he snarls, as Rochel and Ferr deliver blows.

"You reported us to the upper ranks didn't you?" Yale jeers, delivering his own blows.

"You've just earned yourself a death sentence bitch," Max threatens, restraining me, as they prepare for another round of violence.

A grouchy voice interrupts from above, atop a tree branch.

"Can't someone get enough sleep around here," the voice groans, eyes scanning the scene below.

"Who the hell are you?" Max demands, as Rochel freezes, recognition dawning.

"He's....," She whispers to Max.

Max whispers back and she nods, disbelief colouring his whole tone.

"Hey you. What's your name?" Max demands again.