The call of the lost [ 1 ]

A caged bird

The crumbling burgundy walls of the cell i was thrown into a month ago slowly warm my fur as i lean against it. I glance around lazily taking in the bareness of the cell.  The bed with grey sheets,white blanket,and white pillow sits across from me on the opposite wall. I push my body into the corner. facing the door. Wating.

< you should be escaping. Not rotting.>

A jolt rushes through my body. As many times as i've heard this disembodied voice every single time is jaring. With Its multi layered growling voice an a odd  echo. [ i suppose so.] I reply.

<you say. but nothing done.> i can somehow feel its anger despite it not having a body.

[What am i even meant to find?]  

< Rift.>

I couldn't help but scrunch my eyebrows in confusion. That was as close to an answer i have gotten.  But it wasn't enough. [What do you mean ?]

I  wait for a reply but none comes. Rolling my eyes i curl up tighter against the clay wall. Without a doubt turning my ash grey fur brown in the process.

I stare out the wall and hope i zone out. Across the room a small brown and red spider weaves is shimmering web. Watching relaxes my tired body and almost carries me back to sleep. The second my eyelids drift close the cell door open with a high pitched squeak. Instinctively i jump up a snarls on my lips and disturbing the dust that had settled on my body.

The cat that opened the door flinched back and hides behind the door till my twisted up features relax. "Ah.. Simon you're lively today.." He smiles awkwardly  at me and shuffles in. Despite his subtle brush off i could tell he was very afraid. The was so strong i could taste it. He slides a tray over to me and closes the door watching me closely.
The fear rolls of him in waves. His ears are pulled back slightly as he silently watches me eat.  I freeze for a second. I notice this is the only time he has ever waited inside while i ate.

He clears his through loud enough to catch my attention. " w-while im here i have a message from the king."  This was truly the time to pay attention. I sit up and look him in the eye silently asking him to continue.
" He wants you to know that he is coming at noon to evaluate you, he wants to make sure you are ready to be with the pride again."   Swallowing the last bits of food i hand the tray to him. He wants me back in the pride. After a month of rotting in this hell hole he thought i was ready. " Do you understand his message?" I give him a curt nod and rest my head back against the wall.  All i could think about was getting out. I close my eyes and listen to him leaving the cell. I waited until his steps disappear down the hall before i get up again. I walk over to the bed and stand on top if it ignoring the protesting screeches of the frame. I stretch my arm out and touch the roof searching for the warmth of the sun.  I could feel the clay slowly heating up under my paw. It wasn't noon. Not yet. I had maybe half an hour to go.

I pull away and sit back in my spot all i could do now was wait.

I sit in silence and allow my mind to wander. The time passes quickly as my thoughts take over and suck me down. Before i know it the door is opening again and a large black cat strolls in. I quickly sink down on one knee and bow my head greeting my king. " good afternoon simon, after so long in solitary i can only assume that your condition has improved." I nod my head slowly to not seem too eager.

" How do you plan to prove that to me?" He crosses his arms and waits.
I open my mouth to him with some hesitation
" I-"  my voice comes out cracked and dry brittle like and old bone. I have to clear my throat twice before my voice come out correctly. " My king, i am better now."  I look up at him fearfully. He was the key to my escape. " Do you swear, simon?" He quirks a a black eyebrow and watches me with burning golden eyes. I nod without hesitation. " i swear on my life" i bow my head again.   He chuckles softly and puts a warm paw on my head. " you may rise." I stand up and reach his up to his chest . i have to tilt my head to look at his eyes. He grabs my shoulders and smiles " you are an honorable cat simon i believe your word.. But a close eye will be kept on you."

I nod again and follow him as he turn to leave the cell. " come simon i will introduce you back to your home and pride."

  < Escape is done. No more rotting find rift . >

I hum quietly in agreement. A warm swelling feeling in my chest the only reply i get. I focus back onto the king and scan the clay walls of the tunnel leading back to the surface. I can feel the air gradually warming around my body.i can't help but sigh in content . my body tingles pleasantly as we exit the tunnel and stand on the surface. The second the sun hits my dirty fur i close my eyes and hum. The sun feels amazing against my skin. It's been so long since i've felt the sun's warmth. I dig my bare feet in the soft grains of sand.  For a second everything disappears. It's just me and the sun.

" i see you are enjoying the sun." The kings dep voice jolts me out of my trance and brings me back to reality.i smile sheepishly and pull my dull claws through my tangled fur. " i missed it alot." He laughs and pats my shoulder leading me to the city a short distance away.  As we enter the city i glance at the tall stone and clay buildings. It's strangely quiet i can't see,smell, or hear a single cat. " my king, where is everyone?" He smiles again. Teeth an all. " that my dear boy is a secret." We move deeper into the city before we turn a corner and the scents of many cats all hit me at once. I shiver and try to desensitize myself. I can hear them cheering. They smile and laugh and clap supposedly happy i was no longer rotting in a cell. Normally anyone ome would be fooled by such a warm greeting but i could see that not once did any of the joy slathered on their faces reach their eyes.
For a second my heart clenches and drops. I quickly shake that feeling and allow myself to be fooled. I smile back and greet cats i know didn't miss me. Shook hands, and waved to people who  didn't care.