Tabithica's Journey

Chapter 8

Tabithica glanced over her shoulder to make sure no one was around or watching. Nothing. Spreading her wings, she leapt off the cliff and dove towards earth. A jolting thought solidified her mid-flight and she stopped and flapped in place. She had forgotten where Aurora lived. Swallowing and praying to The Ancients that she could find her home and tell her what she needed to, she flew off again. Descending carefully, she landed delicately among the grass. At once. Her ind cleared. She recognized this part of the woods. She was right next to Aurora's house! Loping into the trees, she made her way towards her lawn. Carefully crouching, making sure not to crunch any limbs, she waited. And waited.
Ugh, when is she gonna get out here? Tabithica stomped her paws and chewed her lower lip impatiently. If she didn't get out here soon, they're gonna wonder where I am.
Just then, Tabithica's ears caught a high pitched shriek of excitement. Aurora burst through her back door and held out her arms, imitating what looked like a plane. She began making noises, what sounded like growling. Tabithica gasped as recognition gripped her like claws.
She's imitating me!
Tabithica reared on her hind legs and burst from the trees, startling Aurora. She flinched, then ran towards Tabithica. Once she was in reach, she threw her arms around one of her front leg.
Tabithica! I missed you so much!
No time to chat. I need to ask you something.
She tilted her head back, looking into Tabithica's silver eyes. What is it?
Did you tell your - parents - about me?
She bit her lip. Kinda.
What!? Tabithica snorted smoke so fiercely that it singed Aurora's hair. She ducked, avoiding the steam. What do you mean "kinda'? What exactly did you tell them?
Well, I told them I met a friend outside. I think that they think I meant an Imaginary Friend. But I've grown out of Imaginary Friends.
Tabithica huffed. What's an Imaginary Friend?
Aurora giggled. It's someone you play with that only you can see and no one else can.
Tabithica narrowed her eyes at her and tilted her head. I don't get it.
She laughed harder. They just thought I meant I made friends with someone who's not real.
Tabithica snorted and shook her head. Earthlings.
Humans!
Alright alright, humans.
So, why did you want to know if I told my parents about you?
'Cause no one is supposed to know about our species. Your not even supposed to know.
Aurora took a step back. Really?
Tabithica nodded quickly. Yes. We were never meant to meet.
Then, why did we?
Tabithica sighed, turning away from Aurora. It was my fault. I was being naive.
Oh.
Tabithica cleared her throat. Well, I must be off. Just don't tell anyone about this. She leaned down to Aurora's height so she was staring right into her eye. Am I clear?
Aurora smiled and nodded. Yes.
Tabithica smiled back at her and spread her wings. This is farewell, Aurora.
She gasped. What? Why?
Tabithica heaved a long sigh. Like I said, we weren't meant to meet. So we must part ways. She leaned down and gently laid her snout against Aurora. Goodbye, Aurora.
Aurora began to tear up. Don't leave. I won't tell anyone if it'll make you stay.
Tabithica opened her eyes and stared at Aurora. Even if I could spend time with you, I couldn't stay here. My home is Over World.
Aurora tilted her head. Over World?
Tabithica chuckled. It's where the dragons live.
Oh. Aurora's hand slipped a little. Well, I'll always remember you Tabithica.
Tabithica found it hard to not cry. Resisting her silver tears, she leaned even closer to Aurora. Farewell, little one. With that, she leapt into the air and circled above. Fighting to avoid looking down, Tabithica relented mad glanced at Aurora. She was wiping her bloodshot eyes on her sleeves of her yellow dress sobbing. When she caught Tabithica looking, she cried even harder. Wailing, she dashed into the house and slammed the door. Tabithica blinked and drooped her head. Sighing, she flew skyward towards Over World without a second glance.

Tabithica touched down onto a grassy plain and sat down. Her lip quivering, she finally let the tears come, metallic drops falling onto her scales. Even they'd only just met, Tabithica and Aurora had created a special bond. She was special somehow, Tabithica just knew it. Even though she'd never see her again, Aurora would never be forgotten.
It's for the best.
Drying her tears, she straightened up and shook out her scales. She flicked her ears when she heard approaching pawsteps. Jerking her head up she saw that it was Flako.
Not again.
She smiled. "Hey Flako, what's up?" She asked casually.
"Hey Tabithica. I wanted to talk to you." He sat down. "So, I saw you flying towards earth, any reason why?" He asked quizzically.
Tabithica gulped. "What? No, I just-"
"Sneaking down to earth is strictly forbidden, you know that." Flako flicked his lined wings. "Why did you go down there?" He closed his eyes and chuckled when she hesitated. "You know I still can read your mind, right? I'm getting a lot of discomforting thoughts. What's going on Tibi?" He asked kindly, though Tabithica could see past to his cautious sternness. She quickly constructed a mental gate around her inner thoughts. She felt Flako's disappointment.
She turned from him. "Nothing."
"Your mind says otherwise." Flako huffed, leaning closer.
Why are you thinking about earthlings?
I'm not.
Yes you are. I could practically call them my own thoughts.
I certainly am not thinking about humans!
Wait, humans?
Tabithica bit her lip, catching her mistake. It's another term for earthling. Eturnus told me.
Your lying.
No I'm not!
Yes you are. I can feel your dishonesty. Flako shifted his eyes. Tabithica, what's going on? You can tell me.
Tabithica sighed. But I can't.
Yes you can. You can trust me.
It's not that I don't trust you, it's just . . .
Just what?
Just that, I can't tell you.
Flako's disappointment was coming off in waves. Okay, you clearly don't wanna talk about it, so I'll leave you alone, for now. Just please tell me if you feel like opening up, okay?
Tabithica nodded. Okay. Thank you for understanding.
Flako snorted. Anytime. Stretching his wings, he took off, not even glancing back. Tabithica sighed, and laid down.
He knows something's up. But I could never tell him, it just can't happen. I'll have to be a little more careful from now on.