The young Phoenix awoke in her cave with a start; she had been having nightmares the past few days now, and they were really taking a toll on her sleep. She didn't know what was happening to her in those nightmares, and that was what scared her the most. Standing up, she gazed over at the blanket she had woken up in so long ago. How many years has it been now.... ten, she realized. For ten years she had lived in this cliffside cave, completely alone, and sustaining herself on the numerous dumb animals that had wandered around her home. None of them were intelligent enough to talk to her and keep her company, and she had grown quite sad and lonely, especially since there were probably no other Phoenixes like herself around here.
"Maybe I'm just supposed to be alone," she said to nobody. Seeing the sun beginning to rise, she spread her colorful wings and took off in search of breakfast.
----
Gerard stared at the portrait of his parents and himself as an infant. Even now, the painting held the same happiness and spirit as it did when it was first made. Of course, those days felt long behind him. It had been ten years since that murderous Phoenix had orphaned him at the poor age of six. It was that day that he had sworn to become a monster hunter, to rid the world of such vile creatures as Phoenixes. It was also that day that Sir Richard, his teacher,had adopted him as his own. Gerard had learned much from Richard, being taught how to use a sword and shield, how to wield a bow, and learning about the land. The years of training had hardened him into a formidable hunter and survivalist, and Richard was immensely proud of him.
Having reminisced about his past, Gerard picked up his bow and went out to the river to see if he could catch some fish for breakfast. Fish was Sir Richard's favorite.
-----
The Phoenix had always loved flying. She had learned very early on how to fly, and she relished every moment the wind moved along her body. In the sky, she felt truly free, without a single care in the world.
If only she had someone to share this bliss with....
"No, I can't disrupt my concentration with thoughts like that. Got to focus on where I'm going," she interrupted herself, setting her sights on that familiar river she had always loved visiting.
------
Gerard had reached the river shortly after sunrise. The crystal-blue water flowed with great vigor, as though the river were overjoyed to see him.
Pulling out his bow, Gerard searched the myriad of fish for the one that presented the greatest difficulty of capture; it was an excellent way to strengthen his skills, he thought.
Excited at the prospect of further honing his strengths and impressing Sir Richard, he began to draw his arrow...
------
Once she found the river, the Phoenix locked her bright blue eyes on her fish of choice. Many years of hunting had trained her to be deadly accurate in her kills. Having locked-on to her prey, she swooped downwards.
To be met with an arrow flying straight at her.
"SKREEEEEEEEEEAAHHH!"
View Portfolio
Visit Notebook
Send Gift Points
Awards
Badges
Send Email
Community Newsfeed
General Discussion
Sponsored Items
Book of Trinkets
Static Items
Books
Groups
Interactive Stories
Audio
Campfire Creatives
Community Notes
Crossword Puzzles
Documents
Folders
Images
In & Outs
Madlibs
Photo Albums
Polls
Product Reviews
Quizzes
Survey Forms
Web Pages
Word Searches
More by this author
