I Wish

by The-Right-Girl

I can't stop running-I just can't. Whether it's due to some deep, primal fear, or the need to run-run-run...I don't know. I just know that I have to get away, I have to go somewhere else. (Short one-shot. Brief reference to the Goblin King. Might expand, but don't expect it to.)

1. Chapter 1

I wish…

Lungs gasp for air as legs propel me forward, pushing me through the whipping branches of a dark green and black painted forest.

I wish…

The path has been left far, far behind. How far? I don't know, nor do I bother to let the question linger. I've got to get away; somewhere, anywhere would do, save for where I was.

"I…wish…"

I try to pant the words out: words from a story about a king, from some tale heard long ago. Or was it a few weeks ago?

I don't remember.

I'm gasping for air, due to the pace I keep. Run, run, run…mustn't stop, mustn't walk, just run-run-run-run-run—

I trip-I fall, I get up, I run.

To where?

I don't know.

Why?

I can't recall.

My skin stings—I'm positive I'm bleeding; cuts, scraps, bruises adorning my skin, painted on by the violent force of my running hitting me on motionless branches, tripping me onto rocks.

"….I-I-I w-wish…"

My voice is raw; I won't bother wishing on a star, or hoping for a four-leaf clover. They never worked, so why would they now?

No, there's only one way left to me now.

But…will my voice say it?

I'm sure, if I stopped, caught my breath, I could wish it. But…something, some force—primal fear? A senseless need?—demands I don't-stop-don't-stop-don't-stop.

I must force the words out—even if my throat bleeds raw, I have to speak.

"I-I wish…t-t-the goblins…would…t-t-take m-me…away." I huff out the words in what is surely panting whispers, but I am not quite finished. But I will.

"R-right…n-now…"

Nothing.

And then I'm free.