Flight For Peace - On Hold

Chapter 1

It is so easy to fall into a monotonous routine. Waking up at the same time, exploring the same places, hunting the same prey, thinking the same thoughts, and going to sleep at the same time. I don't like it. Not one bit.

My body unravels and I let out a large yawn. I arch my back and stretch my legs. Drowsiness was still hanging on my eyelids and sleep still clinging on to my limbs. My eyes blink rapidly, expelling the drowsiness that coated them. Today I will explore more of my home, more of Veiled Isle.

I have already explored the beaches that surround my home. I separated them into three sections. The first was filled with many rocks and pebbles, I call it The Isolated Sands. The second was flat and vast, many shells scattered across the sparkling sand and a wind seemed to be constantly flowing on this beach. I was quick to name this the Windy Shore. The last had a coral reef within view and always seemed to be full of life. I called this the Living Cove.

Although I have been on this island for many days, I have yet to explore the whole forest. There are so many places that are hidden away beneath the undergrowth and so many crevices scattered across the ground. My wings flutter happily at my sides at the thought of discovering more about Veiled Isle.

Fallen leaves and sticks crunch under my feet as I wade through the undergrowth. Plants brush against my underbelly and hanging branches catch onto my wings. As I wade deeper into the forest, I pass some familiar places. There was the large rock that juts out of the ground, Sky Rock. Then there was the giant tree that towers over the rest, its branches spiraling into a mess of weaves in the sky, Elder Tree. And then I pass by the small creek that cuts through the island, Shallow Waters. I pick up my pace as I passed all the familiar landmarks, today I will find something new on this island.

Trees blurred in my vision as I wander into the core of the forest. Soon a clearing opened up, vacant of all the trees that surround it. Sun soaks the clearing and life dances all around it. Hundreds of colorful flowers litter the ground, their petals reflecting the light. A name instantly enters my mind. This clearing had to be called Petal Glade. My feet maneuver delicately through the clearing, preserving the wonderful flowers that gave this clearing its name.

A rustling came from the woods around me and I strain my head to hear where it came from. Within seconds my head snaps to my right and I lower my body onto the ground. A squirrel sticks out its head oblivious to my presence. My tail flick back in forth in excitement and my fork-like tongue licks my lips. It was too far away for me to go and kill it like I normally did, it would easily flee back into the cover of the forest.

With that in mind, I focused on my throat, building up energy. Soon water had built up in my throat and it quickly began heating it up. Within seconds the water was bubbling and sizzling. Locking eyes on the squirrel I open my mouth and shoot a stream of boiling water at my prey. A strangled cry flew from its mouth and while it was withering in pain I ran to it and swiftly put it out of its misery.

My stomach grumbles happily and I devour the squirrel. It is gone within a matter of minutes, a skeleton of its past sitting in its place.

---

    Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I never escaped the darkness. Who would have cared for Veiled Isles? Who would have discovered the beauty of my home? What would have become of me?

    Although I frequently wonder about this, I never wish to return to that darkness. It was, in its own way, a form of torture. I could hear the sounds of life around me, a light would tauntingly dance against the shell. When I was in there, I was weak and vulnerable. Yes, I never wanted to return into that darkness.

    For some reason, I do not know what I am. I am not a deer, I lack the brown fur and hoofs. I am not a squirrel, my tail is anything but bushy. I am not a bird, there is no beak on my face or feathers on my body. I am not a rabbit, my nose doesn't wiggle like theirs. I am not any creature that inhabits my home. So what am I?

    Why do I tower over the rabbits, squirrels, and birds? Why am I almost as large as a full grown deer? They have lived many years longer than I have, yet it seems I will soon outgrow them.

    Maybe I am new. Something that someone can discover and identify. They will measure my wingspan, feel my scales, observe my clawless feet, and run fingers along my spine. Yes, I had to be something to be discovered. Otherwise, I would know what I am. But for now, I am just me, another creature on Veiled Isles.

    But that doesn't matter. I don't need to know what I am, just that I am alive and here. I am elated to be living here on Veiled Isles. I've noticed that the other creatures seem to not care for the beauty of our home. They tear up leaves, trample flowers, and scratch the bark of trees. They dig holes into the precious ground, tearing up grass and scattering dirt.

    My heart aches as I see the damage many of the creatures leave in their wake. One day I will teach them not to destroy our home. One day they will learn how to respect the world that gave them life.

    The sun seems to grow hotter on my scales and I rise from my nest. My feeble wings stretch out and flap, trying to fly. I try every day to soar into the sky, but I can't. Not yet. My wings aren't strong enough. There is a constant ache in my soul, yearning to fly into the blue abyss above me. There is so much that I can discover if I could just take flight. So much more than I could see.

    A defeated sigh escapes me as I stretch my limbs and began to make my way to The Isolated Sands. I visit that beach often. The scene around me blurs as and soon enough the beach is in front of me.

    There aren't many animals that inhabit this beach, they all seem to fear the crashing waves and rough ground. But I, alas, love this beach more than anything. It provides a place to think and--most importantly--it's my throne. Amongst the many jutting rocks, there is one cluster that stands tall above the others. It seems to be made for me. There is a flat surface big enough to support my growing form. And there rests an arch where I can climb or gain shade from. Up there, no one can reach me even if they wanted to.

I maneuver through the pebbles and jutting rocks, and quickly ascend to my throne. My wings have folded in on themselves, allowing my body to slip past sharp rocks unharmed. As I reach the top, my heart aches. I'm closer than ever to the sky--to the unknown that I yearn to explore.

The waves crash against earth below, roaring. Above me is a flock of birds. My wings unwillingly stretch out and flap. Golden eyes trained on the flock, my heart aches. They are free. They are flying. They can explore the unknown. There is no restraint that is holding them back.

Frustration quickly builds up in my chest and I let out a shriek. The sound echoes. My heart aches even more as I trick myself that I am not alone. But of course I am. I always have been and I always will be.