Planting Danger

Chapter Two

I woke from the vine bed. It had been three years since that incident, and I'd been getting my revenge the whole time. Mysterious lack of plants? All me. Vines growing all through the village, vines that grew back the instant you cut them? That was me too. Of course, the people didn't realize it. Their ignorance was their greatest flaw.

I had fashioned my den to be completely human-proof. My only friend was a gray kitten I'd found roaming the alleys of the town, but I was fine with that. The fewer humans I was in contact with the better. 

This tiny gray tabby with glistening green eyes was my only friend. Named Ash, the animal was the only thing that both wanted and needed my affection. I even brought her to market once. 

Ever since the fiasco with the teen, I'd been very thorough in disguising myself. Today was no exception.

I methodically pulled each rose red strand of hair into a bun, then hiding it beneath a brown wig. After donning brown dress and gray cloak, I was ready. I picked up my basket, patted Ash on the head, and departed.

The market was not busy, which both worried and relieved me. On one hand, fewer people to recognize me. On the other, I was more conspicuous. 

I approached a bread vendor. He acted completely normal and gave me my food quite willingly. I paid and searched for my next vendor. 

I had bought everything I needed, but wanted something else. I wasn't really sure what I was looking for, but I found myself at a jeweler's stand. There was one necklace that caught my eye. It was a group of green leaves, rimmed with gold and on a filigreed gold chain. I knew quite well that the only real gold was the meager lining of the leaves, but the necklace's beautiful simplicity was very alluring. I bought the necklace.

Once back at my den, I removed the wig, peasant clothes, and shook my hair free from its bun. Knee length, I knew I needed to cut it, but I couldn't bring myself to do so. I clasped the chain around my neck. It sparkled against my crudely sewn leaf shirt, and I liked it.

I would usually wait in my den for the next day and hope no human would figure out how to breach my security, but I was restless today. I jumped up and decided that I would head back to town. Just to wander the streets, I didn't want to cause any trouble. I put my disguise back on and prepared to leave.

As I was doing so, Ash suddenly whimpered.

I gazed at her. She had never made sounds like that before. Concerned, I crouched down and stroked her head. "What's wrong?", I cooed. The kitten did not look any more comforted, if anything, she grew more agitated. She swiped her tiny paw at my hand, which I retracted quickly. 

I was now very worried. Something was wrong. I scooped Ash up, shook off the peasant clothes and pulled my hair into a hasty ponytail, which would be more effective for a fast escape. I held Ash close to my chest.

The kitten was shaking. Something was scaring her terribly. I slowly made my way towards the exit of the den. I peered out. 

A grotesque scene met my eyes. Bile rose in my throat as I looked on.