The storm raged outside the battered remains of an aged and rusted vehicle. Rain pelted the metal and broken windows stained with dirt and grime in an unrelenting torrent. The winds howled and the trees clattered and clanked as their branches dueled under the merciless reign of ill born gusts.
Lightning cracked and flashed shadows of stalking horrors of the mind.
The rumble of thunder—the bellows of monsters.
The shadows of flailing branches—the claws and teeth of horrid beasts.
Beta trembled within the soft confines of the foam padding of a car seat. The young raptor tore open the soft leather of the seat, and sought succor within the stuffing of torn foam from her clawing.
The recently hatched chick was only a week old. And within that week, she had only known the warm and caring nuzzling and cuddling of her mothers. Where everything was warm and soft and safe. Their moist, warm tongues preened and cleaned. Their mouths gave food and made sure her belly was full. Their bellies radiated with heat to keep her warm. Their purrs comforted her, and lulled her to sleep like a lullaby.
But the noises—the loud sounds that came from outside her home—It was scary.
Scary, and frightening and horrifying.
Beta tried hiding in her nest.
She tried hiding in small, tiny spaces.
But no matter where she went, she did not feel safe.
Only within the soft, dark confines of her newest home did Beta feel somewhat safe.
Only somewhat were the noises outside from monsters and scary things muffled.
Only somewhat did her trembling calm.
Only somewhat did her mind calm as she saw the amber eye of her mother peer through the shredded foam and torn leather to look at her. Blue cocked her head to the side, sharp pupil narrowing as she looked upon her daughter.
A soft chitter of concern trickled from her throat, neck twisting to look upon her partner.
E stood nearby, the red and white female trilling softly in an encouraging whistle.
Blue's amber eye was replaced by E's sapphire, circular pupil narrowing upon her shaking child. She could see Beta's golden eyes quiver in horror, wedged tight within the soft padding of the seat's yellow foam. Her eyes were wide, breath swift and small body quaking.
It was not long before E's blue iris was replaced by Blue's yellow. The rain resumed its assault upon their home. The lightning flashed, and the thunder roared. Beta produced a squeaking chirp in fear, barking shrilly in panic and distress.
It was a noise that was juxtaposed by her mother's riveting chitter, trill echoing over the backdrop of a raging storm.
E's purring whistle wafted forth, gentle and encouraging.
Both females peered upon the hiding spot of their daughter, tenderly urging Beta to come out of hiding.
Yet still, Beta trembled and shook.
Yet still, her heart beat swiftly in her chest.
Yet still, Beta could not be helped but be lulled into a faint comfort by soft coo and whistled purr.
The lullabies of her hatchlinghood that drifted her off to sleep between the warm bellies of her parents.
Slowly, hesitantly, Beta wiggled and slipped out of the succor of her foam den.
Grey and red snouts lowered and rubbed against her small head, soft purrs and coos vibrating through her small body.
Beta could not help but close her eyes—and chitter and trill in pleased purr.
The flash of lightning, and crack of thunder.
Beta jumped, and cried in rising panic as she skittered between Blue's legs, pressing herself flush against her mother's ankle.
Hiding among the protective presence of her grey mother.
Blue twisted her neck to peer at her daughter as E lowered herself to inspect the chick.
Beta found herself enveloped by a soft, warm tongue and hot puffs of breath.
Warm, and safe, and soft.
Where nothing could hurt her.
Blue shifted, and pattered off to her nest, calling with a soft bark for her daughter to follow.
Beta froze, amber eyes wide and helpless as she watched her mother trot off. She was still shaking.
Like a young chick that did not know what to do—not where to hide—when scary things were nearby.
A gentle nudge from her red mother urged her forward—and follow Blue.
Beta would curl herself within the safe and warm nest that was Blue's arms as her grey mother lay down.
A castle of powerful arms and smokey scales—a bastion of safety and security that could never be breached.
Beta snuggled against her mother's chest, tail curling along her arm. She felt Blue's arm twirl along her small form.
E rested beside her partner, red snout smooshing against Beta, and gently laying upon the small of her back and Blue's clawed hand.
Blue's purr sounded louder than the echoing thunder in the distance as her amber eyes flicked from child to partner.
Her eyes softened, pupils widening.
Her snout lowered, warm tongue licking Beta's small scalp with a tender purr. Her grey scales brushed against red as Blue felt Beta lean into her warmth. E and Blue's moist puffs of breath intermingled, bathing their daughter in a comforting warmth.
Blue eyes met amber.
Gold eyes met sapphire.
E's whistled purr vibrates along Beta's back as Blue rested her chin upon her partner's brow.
The monsters outside were drowned out by the comforting lullabies of Beta's mothers.