The Way Out

Chapter 3 - Flying Devils

I watched as I pulled my feet out of the tunnel, and through the cave wall.
     It was an illusion, I realized.
     I got to my feet, standing in awe. Pink trees scattered this part of the forest, and the ground was painted yellow with flowers. I bent down to smell one but thought better of it.
     These aren't any type of flower I've seen before, I thought, it would be better to stay away.
     My head moved from one tree to the next as I brushed through the tall grass. Small rays of sun maneuvered around the floral branches. I traipsed through the rows of plants, thorns piercing my ankles every so often. A buzzing object caught my eye, sitting near the next tree. I stopped, gazing at it. A fairy, I told myself. Its wings fluttered graciously as it moved from one branch to the next. It had long black hair that floated in the wind, and wore a dress made from the petals of a flower, the same color as the trees. Its strange, purple eyes glared at me from behind the flowery twigs. I wondered whether it was safe to wander closer.
     It's only about the height of my thumb, I told myself. How dangerous can it be?
     I took a pace closer, becoming more and more curious. I took another small step, reaching out my hand.

"I won't hurt you," I said gently. "Why don't you come down?" I heard it let out a small squeak and she fluttered over to the next branch. A smile stretched across her face as she hopped onto the next branch.
     It thinks this is a game.
     I reached out, calling for the creature. I probably could have reached it, but I didn't want to frighten it. I looked up, and it let out a high pitched squeal as if it was trying to communicate. I gave a little giggle, laughing at the attempt. It fluttered over to the tree ahead and gestured for me to follow. Curiosity drove me on and my bare feet pushed me forward, the soil in between my toes. I chased it from one tree to the next, chuckling as I went. I wondered where this odd creature could be leading me, but pushed away the thought. I would find out soon. The trees went from pink to grey the farther I wondered. My lungs started to burn the farther I jogged, and called out for the fairy to stop. It let out a squeak, but did nothing else, darting away to the next greying tree. The sun shone less and less as the trees became closer and closer together. My heart beat faster and faster until I thought I might collapse. Finally, the fairy stopped, and stared at me as I slumped against a tree. It's grey bark felt rough against my back. I jumped as the creature landed on the ground a few steps away from me, its grin bigger than ever. I became nervous as it neared, a few paces at a time. It seemed as though it grew every time it came closer.
     It's all in my head, I told myself, pressing my back against the tree.
     It now looked about a foot tall, its grin smiling straight at me.
     It's all in my imagination, I decided, no need to worry.
     I scooted backward, trying to find a way around the tree blocking me. The creature became frighteningly taller, its wings transforming into pointy arms, and its sharp ears turning into blood-red horns. The closer it got, the more I noticed its sharp teeth, and evil in its smile. Its skin turned a dark red, and drifted closer every second. I let out a shriek as it pounced, and jumped out of the way. My screams echoed throughout the forest as it showed its gleaming teeth.
     It had lured me here, I realized. I should have stayed with the relaxing flowers and sunlight.
     I leaped away as its talons came swiping only inches away from me. I fled, my hair blowing behind me. I panted hard, not daring to look back. I could hear its pitter-patter of feet close behind me, and pushed myself harder. My feet thrummed on the hard dirt floor, scattered with debris. A shriek sounded above the distant calls of the crows. I spun around, preparing to run once more. The creature was gone, I realized. The forest was silent, other than the screaming heartbeat in my chest. I took a step back, the way I had come. I jumped back as dirt started to crumble around my feet. Crumbs of soil fell, and I noticed another tunnel, black as night. I pushed away the leaves, examining it more closely. The creature must have fallen in it. I peered inside it, not getting too close. I saw nothing and heard nothing.
     It was long gone, I assured myself.
     Shivers ran along my spine as I thought of the ferocious animal. Not even an animal.
     Who knows what that was, I thought.
     I shook away my thoughts and pulled myself away from the pit. I knew I would be long gone if I fell into that. As I strolled through the woods, the musky smell of the trees surrounded me. Mist clouded the edges of my vision, and I looked around for shelter. I could sense the rain about to fall. Drops splattered the ground, and I walked faster, searching. The grey trees became darker as the hidden sun started to set. I walked and walked, until I noticed a big oak tree sitting in the distance. I reached it and immediately collapsed underneath it. My eyelids grew heavy. Dizzyness pained my head and dreams suddenly engulfed my thoughts. Darkness enclosed me as I drifted into sleep. My body went limp, and the beating of the pouring rain around me sang like a lullaby.
     I had made it for one day, I thought. Now all I have to do is wait, and hope I wake up in the morning.