Chapter 7, Monsters inside
I ran into the woods, tree branches harshly stroking my skin. I tried to get to a clearing, I tried to find just one area where the moon shines through, just one… that’s all I need. I could feel it emerging from it’s cage, breaking free of it’s prison. I ran into a clearing, collapsing on the rough forest floor I got up on my hands and knees, a waterfall of blood and spit came flying out of my mouth. I couldn’t let him take control… not now… not here… not ever. I could feel my horns growing larger, my tail also. The feeling of a second pair of wings emerging from my back almost made me collapse all over again.
I stood up, swaying from side to side, my vision blurred, a pain emerging from my back and thighs. I walked drunkly over to a tree while trying to make out my other surroundings. The sound of footsteps shuffling around me brought me back down to earth. I stood up, outstretching my wings, almost showing them off. I leaned my back against a tree and watched my surroundings. I could still hear footsteps and small chatters of familiar voices echoing around me… or was it all in my head? “Who’s there? Show yourself!” I yelled, trying to act intimidating but really I’m terrified. I got my magic ready, my pupils turning to slits in my eyes.
I felt something land on my back, pinning me to the ground. “What have you done with Clarity? Tell me!” / “Ben, you idiot, that is Clarity.” I could hear voices, arguments, overlapping each other, trying to be the better one. I had to think of a quick lie to get them away from me. “Umm… do I know you, I’ve been hiding in these woods for a few days, I’m not this Clarity girl”, I quickly spluttered out the first excuse Icould think of. Would they fall for it though? “Clarity… you told me about your demon, no way am I falling for that bullshit”, snapped Symphony, a look of hurt formed on her face. “Do you know, how worried I am about you!? I care about you Clarity, don’t just push me away like that!” she glowered, almost crying. I tried to get up to comfort her but Ben was still on my back so I could barely move.
When Ben finally got off my back I ran over to Symphony, enveloping her in a bear hug. I knew she cared, but I didn’t realise she’d be so sensitive over it. I let go of her, and ran into the woods. I could hear both Symphony and Ben call my name, screaming after me. I couldn’t let them see me like this I eventually reached the end of the forest, but should I run away. Life here so far is pretty fun… am I really the kind of person to run away from something amazing. No, I’m not. I turned back, trying to see if they had followed me. There were shouts, footsteps and strange noises coming from the darkness that swallowed our surroundings. I walked back, my eyes wider than ever, stinging with tears that forced themselves out. I could feel the wind slip through my scales, making them prickle upwards by the slightest fraction.
It had only been a minute, but it felt like an hour. I was drunk with fatigue, stumbling around like a druggie. I layed my arm on a tree, resting against the rough, hard wood. My eyesight was growing dimmer and dimmer as the voices crept closer and closer. I forced my head up just to try and get a glimps of my surroundings. I sensed something lay eyes on me, staring at me as if I was a wild animal, as if it were waiting for the kill. My scales rippled along with the cool, winter breeze, after that painful as hell transformation, most of my clothes had ripped apart. I was left with what looked like torn shorts and belly-top. “There you are, woah… you’ve changed a lot.” I looked up to see Ben’s shocked face, Symphony in the background smirking… giggling almost. He picked me up and carried me back… on his back. My eyes were drooping as we trekked home but I was determined to stay awake until we got home.
I nuzzled into his neck, slowly nodding off. We’re so close but I could barely keep my eyes open. Fatigue got the best of my and my senses. I ended up falling asleep for the rest of the way since I really needed a recharge after all of this demonic nonsense.
I woke up, finding myself in bed, my still scaley arm wrapped in a blood-soaked bandage. I turned to my right, my breath hitched.