When Cloud was a small child he strayed a little too far from his mother while they were out in the field, picking strawberries. Usually the grass is kept trimmed, but for the last couple days, it had been raining too much to cut the grass. In turn the grass was severely over grown.
Like any young child, Cloud was easily distracted. So when a large colorful butterfly flew by him, he did not hesitate to chase after it. Soon he realized that the grass was just as entertaining as the butterfly. Shortly after this realization, Cloud was running through the tall grass as if he were in a far off land on a grand adventure. He ran further and further from his mother, and when she looked up, he wasn't there. Frantic and panicky the woman called for her little boy, but received no answer.
Cloud was in his own little world; slaying dragons and saving princesses. Suddenly he fell through the edge the grass. His adventure was over. Fear engulfed the small boy's body. He had never been this far away from his mother back to the grass, Cloud intended to run back to his mother and not leave her side for a long time. But before he could take off back into the grass, a movement caught his eye. Slowly, and with caution, Cloud turned back to where he had seen the movement.
Intrigued at what could have made him hesitate, he inched his way to the edge of the dark trees that lay a few meters from the edge of the field. Cloud's eyes widened once he seen what had made him turn his back on his family's field. A small fluffy rabbit hopped out from behind a tree and started chewing on a twig.
Completely entranced by the fluffy brown creature, Cloud crept closer. The rabbit's ears shot up, immediately aware of the potential threat. The stare down between the rabbit and Cloud only lasted for a moment before the rodent took off into the forest; Cloud right on its tail. Deeper and deeper into the forest Cloud was lead by the rabbit. Until a thick root caught his foot and sent him roughly to the ground.
His hands and knees were scraped across the unforgiving shrubbery. Cloud whimpered as he sat up, losing sight of the rabbit. His hands and legs were tender so he sat motionless for a moment to catch his breath. Tears slid down his cheeks, which was soon followed by loud sobbing. Cloud realized that his mother wouldn't magically appear, kiss him better, and carry him home like she always did.
He was lost, alone, and frightened. All he could do is sob louder and hope his mother would hear him and come running. Unbeknownst to him, a pair of yellow eyes watched from the bushes. Choking on his sobs, Cloud tried desperately to wipe the salty trails from his cheeks. He only succeeded in smearing blood and dirt onto his face. He sobbed louder, wishing that he had never followed the butterfly away from his mother.
A twig snapping in a far bush made the blond freeze, his sobbing silenced by the loud noise. Wiping his eyes with the back of his hands, Cloud stared at the bush that hid whatever had made the noise.
A dark gray figure stepped out from the undergrowth to reveal itself to the frightened child. A large gray wolf stared at the trembling boy, its eyes piercing his delicate heart. A silent cue was sent out and from behind other shrubs and foliage more wolves stalked out, surround Cloud.
A new of fear engulfed him as the wolves crept closer still. They looked famished, and there was no way to out run them. More tears filled the boy's eyes; he couldn't even get to a tree to climb in time. The largest wolf licked his chops, preparing to lunge at the blonde. All Cloud could do was screamed at the top of his lungs and pray that someone heard.
The wolf didn't hesitate and leaped at the boy. Cloud flinch and covered his head with his arms, waiting for the impact. But it didn't come. Loud trills and yelps filled his ears and made him look up. The wolves were being chased off by an enormous golden bird looking creature. The whimpering mutts took off, tails between their legs.
The massive bird stood over six feet tall and was covered in brilliant gold feathers that looked softer than cotton. Its talons and beak looking sharper than any farming tool he'd ever seen. So when the bird turned to him he flinched away. The golden creature trotted over to the boy and nudged him with her beak. Cloud didn't move.
"Kweh!" the bird called to the blonde and nudged him again. Cloud still didn't move, fearful that any movement would provoke the predator. Golden feathers ruffed as the bird crouched by the blonde and gently grabbed the back of his shirt, lifting him up. Cloud started bawling. He just knew that he was going to become dinner. The blonde was surprised when he was dropped onto the back of the massive bird.
Cloud was truly dumb founded. But he didn't have time to react because the bird was up and trotting deeper into the forest. A wave of panic passed through the boy. Somehow he knew he wouldn't be going home; but the warmth of the bird was inviting, and the gentle swaying of the bird trotting was lulling Cloud to sleep.