Running To You

As terrifying as the sounds of destruction from the land whirlpool swallowing the trees and the ground were, the sounds of fighting between Celphi and Mede were just as horrific. It was a cacophony of roars, screeches and the constant beating of giant wings.

I ran frantically with no destination, yet no matter where my feet carried me, the battle seemed to follow. Their clash echoed through the trees. It was as if they were everywhere.

Speaking of following me, pairs of wings flapped loudly and hardly just behind trees above me. Yellow eyes peeked through the thinner parts of the canopy. Taunting me as if they were playing a game of who catches me first.

This is so offensive.

When Celphi carried me, there were no sounds from our pursuers to hint at their presence. They just came down at the right time to stop and ruin moments between me and Celphi.

With just me running, they sound like they have to slow themselves down intentionally by flapping around the same vicinity.

Oh, they’re definitely mocking me.

The thought annoyed me even more. I’m just a human. No magic. No claws. Nothing. And yet the idea of these winged creatures laughing at me sparked something violent inside.

‘You should pick on someone your own size! Or skill. Or type of creature!’ I screamed at the void that is the forest, hoping those meant to hear it did.

The thicket shielded me from the skies where they flew, but the air grew hotter, sharper. I smelled fire, sweet, almost floral, like burning petals. Sparks pricked my skin. I didn’t know if I was making the right choice, but my heart tugged me back toward Celphi.

I searched for any shortcut I could take, then I saw it. If the first cave system had been subtle, this one was impossible to ignore. Intricate roots twisted out of the ground, forming a tunnel. There weren’t any oddly colored mosses or puddles. It looked like it was made for venturing. I stepped inside carefully, hoping it might lead me back to Celphi.

The world shifted the moment I entered. The air hushed, battle cries muffled. Darkness wrapped around me, cold and hollow, where Celphi’s embrace should have been. Though it didn’t last. Faint light deeper inside drew me onward until I reached a chamber lit by dozens of glowing plants. Their soft radiance painted the room like an indoor garden. I gathered as many as I could, clutching them like flowers, then raced down the passage I thought led back to the fight.

After just a few minutes of navigating the cave, I heard leaves rustling, and two heavy thuds on the soft ground above me. My heart jumped to my throat.

They had followed me!

The birds, or whatever they were, must have torn through the canopy once they realised I’d gone quiet. I thought I’d left two layers between us, the dense forest above, and the roots around me. But no, they’d only given me a head start.

How dare they underestimate me? Why did being afraid come hand in hand with being furious?

*Footsteps*

They were walking in human form. I covered my mouth with one hand and stilled my body. My heart was the only thing that was moving and thumping.

How can mere footsteps scare me so much?

The footsteps above me eventually faded into the distance. 

Did they stop walking? Are they scoping my whereabouts?

I looked around me for a weapon to get ready for anything. Wouldn’t you know it. I still had the poison succulent tied to me. How it got dragged with me the whole time, I don’t know. But no complaints.

As I bent to grab it, a scream tore through the silence.

Celphi?

My body surged forward before my mind caught up. I sprinted toward the cry without hesitation, like answering a hospital code. Not a second to spare. My glowing plant lit the way as I followed the rising heat and noise.

Heat means Mede. This is the right path.

*Thud*

I tripped over something unseen, tumbling down a hidden slope. My body landed against something feathery and warm. Like a mattress.

Shit.

My plant burst apart, scattering light into tiny pieces across chambers beyond. Darkness swallowed me. Blind, I reached for the first thing I could. My weapon.

Celphi’s the only creature I will lie on top of!

I untied it from myself and hurled blindly it into the dark. A yelp, a thud. One down. Massive regret set in just as quick as I threw my succulent.

‘Oops… Sorry! I really am not one to attack!’

I staggered to my feet, hands stretched ahead, searching the dark.

'Sorry, I panicked!' My face contorted in distress.

No response?

I crept forward, one hand trailing the wall, one foot cautiously feeling the ground.

‘I threw a poisonous succulent at you’, I spoke into the darkness. ‘You’d better get Tincy or any fairy come see to it. The effects are quick and lethal. It even got Celphi within seconds. Go.’

I’m not a fighter. I’m a caregiver. Even when I attack, I will treat.

A deep grumbling voice responded. I didn’t catch what they said. I couldn’t see him clearly. I only heard the scratch of his claws tearing at the roots above. He carved an exit with swift movements.

'Princess, if Commandant Mede or Celphi falls, you will be the one most hurt.'

‘What…’ I didn’t get to finish my sentence.

He hoisted the other unconscious man, cradled him, and transformed. He moved with accuracy and great haste. Feathers exploding outward in a burst of magic. He looked like an eagle, his wings igniting a light as he soared away with the other safely held in his talons. 2 appendages on his front carried his comrade, 2 back legs pushed him forward.

At this point, I shouldn’t be surprised with whatever creature I meet now.

I whispered, mostly to myself, ‘Sorry. A girl has to survive’, as I looked at the unconscious state of my poor victim being airlifted by yet another mythical creature.

I truly hoped I hadn’t caused anything fatal.

Remorse was eating at me as looked around for a way out.

‘I am really very sorry. Also what do you mean I would be hurt the most?’ I still finished my sentence even if they’ve long gone.

I know I was just acting in defense, but still. I have mortally wounded someone. That’s really bad.

Using the tangled roots, I climbed with ease towards the opening spilling dim light. Emerging from the cave felt like being reborn. The cool hush of the cave gave way to thick, stifling heat. Smoke hung over the land. Forest to my right, an expanse of sand to my left.

Nothing looked familiar. Like I’d stepped into a new part of this world. If I relied only on my eyes, I’d be hopelessly lost. But my ears still caught the crashing and clashing noise of a magical brawl.

If I followed the chaos. I could find my way back to Celphi… But what do I really want?

I stood at the cave mouth. Absent in body, deep in thought.

I could run. Escape them both. Start over somewhere quiet. No more fire. No drowning. No more confusion. Maybe I can find someone who will talk to me normally. Not someone who will princess me this or princess me that.

It wasn’t such a bad idea. Forget about this nightmare ever existing and go back to earth like nothing happened.

I miss everyone. Ami would be worried sick. The kids would be biting the heads of the volunteer carers by now. I would be very late on my thesis too. What else is more important than that.

And while I stood, two powerful beings tore each other apart. For their own reasons. For reasons I didn’t understand.

Mede has now become a commandant, not just a classmate to Raiona. He’s got a mission to fulfil. But what about Celphi? Is it from loyalty to Raiona? Or for me. Just Ina.

Sigh. I couldn't run from that. Not yet.

How had I become so attached in just a week? Because he let me cry on his shoulder? Because he held me until sleep came. Sleep I never had on Earth? My complaints that was only heard by my pillows as I cried myself to bed each night?

I sat down on the ground to catch my breath. I sank into the soft sand, letting my thoughts catch up with me.

A thunderous bang tore through the air and snapped me back to reality.

The patch of sand-like soil that felt like snow, soft, dry, comforting, has changed into something warm and crumbly.

Why has the sand consistency change? Is it from the fight?

Before I could finish contemplating, the sand further ahead rustled. Something moved beneath. Multiplying and closing in. The structure of the sands changed with their move. Changing it from soft to coarse. As if sucking the life out of it. 

No brainer. I jumped to my feet and ran.

‘Not today, random creatures!’ I shouted. 

I would decide how I face this. I would choose what kind of girl I wanted to be. And right now?

‘Right now, I run for the truth.’