Locked In

A New Friend?

Suddenly, it was silent. I had done the worst thing I could have done at that time. Jessi must have glanced back and seen me, paralysed. I heard quiet steps approaching me, meaning Jessi was coming to help, but she didn't want to make anymore sudden movements. I wanted to go towards the beast, but that would be even more stupid than turning around to face it.

"Tyla. Do exactly what you told me to do. Watch your footing and keep facing it until we're far away," Jessi whispered.

"No."

I could feel her giving me a quizzical look.

"I want you to stay alive. I want ME to stay alive. Please, don't get either one of us killed. I'm still trusting you though," she said.

I walked forward, which was pretty darn stupid. But there was something telling me to. Something urging me towards the creature. Gently, ever so gently, I reached out my hand and placed it on the beast. I could her a slight gasp from behind me, obviously coming from Jess. I could just imagine her thinking, 'Please don't die, Ty. Please, stay alive'. The animal didn't flinch. Didn't blink. Didn't move a muscle. It was scary, yet amazing. This creature really was one of a kind. I started stroking it, realising that it's face only looked like a rock because whatever type of skin it had, happened to be uneven and bumpy. It's skin was still soft though, like a cross between fur and feathers. The beast seemed surprised at the fact that I was patting it. I even heard Jessi slowly come up behind me.

"What are you doing, Ty?" she whispered quietly into my ear.

"Jess. We need a friend. Someone else to help us, don't you reckon?" I whispered back to her.

And that was when the animal's eyes flared up, in anger or not, I wasn't sure.