Chapter 4
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The flight seemed to go on, and on, and on...and not once did Goliathus seem to tire. He just stared on, straight ahead, intent on getting to wherever he was going. Ami, on the other hand, was facing down and could see the land rushing past them. The scenery was breathtaking, they would pass over long, winding country roads, mountains, and sparkling lakes. She wondered if anyone saw them, but it seemed to her they were invisible. Even when he passed low, as if looking for something or catching a scent, nobody saw him. However, he was not going through largely populated areas, either. He seemed to prefer forest and the great expanse of landscape that was of yet still uninhabited. Where were they anyhow? Were they still in upstate New York where her cabin in the woods had been? Or a different state altogether? As they flew on still, Ami was sure they weren't in New York anymore, nor could she tell what direction they were heading in, although she was pretty certain that wherever they were going, it was going to be utterly remote. She hated feeling alone, and if the creature were to continue abandoning her for days, sometimes a week at a time...she was sure she was going to go stark raving mad.
At some point, Ami grew tired, and dozed off. A while later she jerked awake, to find they were still flying, and now, there was nothing but water beneath them, in every direction. Gasping, she looked behind her, and saw some fading landscape that was just barely still visible.
Oh god, they were crossing an ocean?
The wind picked up, she could smell the salt air and saw the clouds overhead. They didn't look too serious, but Ami knew the ocean was as unpredictable as the creature holding her was.
Where are we going? We have to cross an ocean?
Vast water. Yes.
But...why?
Because I choose to.
Ami sighed. But I'm thirsty and hungry. How much farther do we have to go?
Goliathus snorted slightly. Days. Three sunrises, maybe.
We're...going to fly over this ocean for days? Ami could scarcely believe what she was hearing.
No, vast water take maybe one more day. Rest of land travel longer.
Ami felt afraid, she didn't like this and how was she going to eat, drink, go to the bathroom or even sleep properly with him just flying on for days?
What about you? You have to eat, right?
He tightened his grip on her a bit. I ate much, before we left. Ami reluctantly thought of the large kill she had witnessed only days before. Hungry yes, but will feast when we get there. Plenty of humans around.
But...what about me?
You pack any water? Human food?
Yes, some. But you wouldn't let me finish packing...
I find food for you, pet. Do not worry. Water in bag, will get it.
Ami suddenly felt terrified as he loosened his grip, she almost thought that for one moment he was going to drop her. But with amazing strength he merely wrapped one arm around her and held tight, while the other worked into the bag and managed to grab one of about six water bottles she had stuffed into her supplies.
Here, take. Now be quiet.
Obeying she fell silent, but gratefully took the water from his large, clawed hand and carefully twisted off the cap, doing her best not to drop the bottle or spill the water. She drank about a quarter of the much needed moisture and then put the cap back on and held the bottle tight. Losing it was not something she could afford to do, and she was more than grateful he was pretty much a steady, solid flier. They were bobbing slightly with each powerful wingbeat, but he still did not seem to tire.
And so...they flew on.
/
Ami awoke from a fitful sleep. Her muscles were sore from such an odd, hanging position, and it was a wonder she could sleep at all. Just as her eyes were opening, she felt him angling downwards. She held her breath for a moment as they landed, but much more smoothly this time. The ground seemed soft and great clouds of what she realized was sand rose into the air as he used his wings to break from the landing.
Where are we? Is this it?
No...not nearly. This is small island. For you to rest, I will hunt.
Uhm...I don't think there are humans here.
No. But there are creatures of the vast water.
You're going to catch fish?
Yes, easy to find. Easy to catch. Now stay here, make fire.
What that he was back in the air with a mighty whoosh, covering Ami was sand. She coughed and spat and brushed it out of her hair, swearing at him. Quickly she took the opportunity to search around for a place to relieve herself. Then she rooted through her bag to find her matches and got up to look for something she could burn. The light of day was quickly fading, she peered over some palm trees to see the sun in the cloudy sky, its rays peeking through and creating an eerie, greyish sunset. Sighing she set to work gathering some dried grasses and whatever other sparse things she could find, and made a small but suitable fire.
The heradus took a while, but he came back with a surprising and huge catch. A pelagic fish in his arms, still alive and struggling, and what looked like remnants of a seal in his jaws.
Are they tasty enough? She asked immediately, looking at him incredulously as he threw down the huge fish near his feet and quickly held it down with his talons.
She winced as she watched him gulp down the rest of the seal like a snake, the huge lump disappearing from his throat moments later as it went down.
Salty. But good enough when needed. This big fish, for you.
Uhm, thanks...but ...what do I do with it? I've never done this before, and I don't think I have a proper knife in here... she rooted through the bag and shook her head at him.
He sighed, as if frustrated, and rent the fish open as he pulled back his talons on the scaly hide. There, cut for you.
Ami lifted a brow at him, but reached over and pulled the fish from him. She used a stick and attempted to make a sort of shish-ka-bob with the flesh. It cooked quickly, and the Creeper watched her curiously as she tasted it.
It was marvelous, and she greedily chewed it down while reaching for more to cook.
Why cook meat? Better raw. He said finally, after he watched her do this a few times.
Because I don't like meat raw, and I could get sick.
Sick?
Yes, you know, like colds or flu? Illness. Germs. You never get sick?
He gave her an odd look, but seemed to comprehend. No. Not get sick.
Ami shook her head at him. You're amazing. So frightening and overwhelming, but amazing all the same.
He knelt down, still watching her eat, clearly fascinated by the fire as it cooked the fish. He seemed to be watching every nuance of what she was doing, although Ami was getting quite used to it by now.
After several long minutes he looked up at her, and their eyes met. She blinked at him, his expression had gone soft again, and it was so odd to see that menacing stare actually look like something other than death itself.
You thought magnificent. He said, quietly this time. Ami thought she had merely imagined the words for a moment, but then remembered what he was referring to. Well yes. Your wings...they are...I mean... she found herself staring down into her small fire, blushing slightly. Having eaten enough fish, she was no longer hungry, and in fact, a sudden queasy sensation was quickly building. Right away she wondered if it was bad food, but she knew that fish was plucked fresh from the ocean. Still, the nausea persisted.
Oh, I suddenly don't feel well.
Sick?
Yeah, maybe.
Goliathus seemed to think on that a moment, but he huffed in irritation. It was clear he wanted to get moving.
Can we sleep here for the night? I feel strange. My stomach hurts.
You say raw meat make you sick. But cooked meat made you sick.
No, no I think it's because of another reason. Look, can we just stay here and then we can leave in the morning, I just want to sleep, and -
Suddenly Ami felt dizzy and felt her stomach heave. She quickly turned her head and promptly threw up her entire dinner. A few moments of silence, then she coughed and retched again. Afterwards, she felt better, but oh so tired. The Creeper made not a sound, only stood up and looked about the island.
We stay. You rest.
Thank you. She was going to ask about some kind of bed they could make for her to sleep on, when he lied down and lifted her up slightly so he could wrap his wings about her. His grip on her was tight, as if she might try and run away in the night, as if there was anywhere to go to. She found herself pressed up against his chest and marvelling at how warm he actually was. It made him seem so, so normal...that if she just closed her eyes and imagined him to be a man she could believe it. But she would open her eyes, and there it was, that thick, rough grey hide, the claws, the spines, the wings.
Those frightening teeth, the cold, ice blue eyes that were still open and gazing up at the stars. She knew he would not sleep...the closest he ever got to that was mere resting, like he was doing now. He'd done it before, although never with his wings wrapped about her like this.
Guardian. Protector. You are protecting me.
Ami wasn't speaking to be heard, but she could hear and feel a slight rumble in his chest. She put one hand there, was there a heartbeat? Yes, there was. Steady, slow, and strong, like an elephant.
Feeling strangely warm and safe for the first time, Ami felt bolder and tried to get more information out of him before she fell asleep.
Goliathus. What was this cathedral you spoke of?
Sleep, human.
Please, tell me.
Old home, long time ago. First lair.
But you guarded it, right? For who? Was it something like a king, or a prince? She yawned. A princess? For some reason it made her think of a fairy tale, although the idea was truly absurd.
He snorted, and seemed unwilling to answer. Ami sighed heavily, she so wanted to learn from him, but he was like a wall that was impossible to break down. Perhaps she ought to try a different tactic.
You said you hated humans, that they tormented you. How is this even possible?
What did you mean by it?
Still, nothing.
Ami whimpered as her emotions rose, frustrated and longing to connect with him.
Goliathus, please. Talk to me.
He snarled, and seemed to radiate aggression. Sleep.
You won't tell me about your old home?
You need sleep, we will leave in morning. No more talking. He said curtly, and a single claw from his right hand threatened to puncture her skin as he dangerously scraped down her side.
I thought you said you didn't hate me. The shiver of fear that coursed through her couldn't be helped.
If you do not stop, I will leave. You will sleep alone. And cold. He growled, long and deep, and pressed that claw harder against her skin.
Ami sighed again, and choked back a sob.
So cruel...he could be so, so cruel. And yet she knew now, or at least she really wanted to believe... that this was the Creeper, and not the real creature within.
If this was to be her life, then she was damned she was going to live the rest of her days, alone and afraid, and made to feel inferior. She was going to find the real Goliathus...and bring him back. With that thought in her mind, she fell asleep.
/
Ami awoke to find it was bright daylight, and the sun was hot against her skin. She yawned, rubbed her eyes, and dully looked around as consciousness settled back in. Her captor was nowhere to be seen, but Ami figured he was probably out hunting. The thought of more fish however, made her gag. Right now, anything of the seafood variety was anything but appetizing. Her stomach seemed very sensitive lately, and looking down, she noticed it looked a bit rounder, too. Slowly she got to her feet, and let herself have a nice stretch, which was somewhat painful due to her sore, tired muscles. What harm would a nice walk do? The sea air was fresh and warm, much better now that the sun was out. The blue water sparkled, and the swaying palm trees betrayed the feel of a real paradise. But as she looked around she saw just how small this island was. She walked out past patches of rocks and tall, dry grass only to find she was nearly already on the other side. It was a tiny piece of land amongst a huge expanse of water. She felt small and insignificant, just like this island.
There was a rushing sound of wind, and Ami looked up in time to see the heradus approaching, swooping down from the sky with taloned feet outstretched towards the sandy ground. He had nothing with him, but blood covered his body in various places and Ami knew he had found humans this time...somewhere. The sudden thought struck her hard.
Found food. He said, almost smugly.
A boat...or a ship, right?
Yes. Trapped and too easy. No fun, no challenge. He chuckled to himself, but Ami, as usual, didn't share in his amusement. She frowned at him, and he cocked his head at her.
Mouse is well?
Can you call me Ami? You did, once...
We go now, pet. No more resting. Will fly to old house, two more suns.
Ami. My name is Ami. She persisted, jutting her chin out. You are Goliathus, and I am Ami. I am not your pet, and I'm not a mouse, either.
Huffing, he reached out and grabbed her with one hand, while shoving the canvas bag into the other. Go now.
Fine, I won't use your name either. I'll just call you Creeper, or heradus.
Don't care. Quiet now, little mouse.
Ami wanted to scream, but she fought it back as he got a tight grip and within moments they were back in the sky...again.
/
It seemed to take forever to cross the ocean and find the mainland again, but when they did, Ami was relieved. The sight of forests, mountains, and hills again made her smile and vanish some of her frustration. She slept on and off in odd torrents of fitful dreams and exhaustion, waking only occasionally to pester him into giving her more water or some snacks that still remained in the bag.
After several more hours she prayed to see that house, somewhere, anywhere. Then finally, they flew low over the crest of many coloring trees to a brick house, barely seen amongst the overgrown flora and fauna. It was indeed a very old style home, it looked almost ancient. But it was such a wonderful, beautiful sight after such long hours of flying, that Ami couldn't help but feel happy. As they quickly neared and he dropped in altitude, Ami saw a long winding path covered in weeds leading from the house and up a high hill. It was odd to think that once this was someone's home...she wondered if it were a hermit once living out all the way out here on his own, or maybe even a family...
Home now. We are here.
I couldn't be more thrilled. Her tone was sarcastic, even though deep inside she really was happy.
They landed, and he instantly shoved her away towards the open doorway of the dilapidated brick house.
Starving... he growled, seeming to suddenly grow very fierce and threatening. He focused those cold eyes on her and Ami could practically feel the icy chill coursing down her spine. I will go hunt. You stay here, and do not wander.
Ami wanted to protest at already being left alone, but dared not say a word. When he was hungry, he was not a pretty character, and she knew better than to test him in that kind of mood.
Okay. I'll be right here and I'll do some...uh...housekeeping. She frowned, looking at the absolute mess before her. Before Ami could even turn back around to him, he was already gone, flapping through the sky and wheeling high over the trees to the right.
Resigning herself Ami stepped into the house after pulling away a bunch of weeds and vines from the doorway, and set to work. If this was going to be her new home for god knows how long, than she was going to try and make the best of it.
/
When he returned some hours later, Ami had already cleared out one of the rooms of overgrown weeds, creeping vines, and mouse droppings. She used a crude broom she had fashioned from a sturdy stick and bunches of leaves tied to it with twine from her bag. Also she had made a makeshift bed for herself with the clothes again, it would have to do for now and was better than sleeping on a hard, cold floor. The house had very little too offer other than its stone walls, the downstairs had three rooms, all bare, save for one rickety looking rocking chair, of all things. The upstairs had two rooms, also bare. There were no shutters, no windows (just open holes) and no door. There was, thankfully, and old style fireplace, it even had a hearth. But that was it, and nothing more. Ami wasn't sure what she had been expecting, a nice sofa and loveseat? A stocked kitchen?
Still, she had hoped for more than this.
Walking outside slowly, she carefully made her way over to her captor, who was once again surveying his domain, or at least, that's what she assumed he was doing.
I suspect you found what you needed. It wasn't a question but a sad statement, and Ami didn't really want to think about it. She wondered if he'd line the house's walls with bodies, and the thought made her shiver horridly.
Plenty.
You knew about this house so I take it you've been here before.
Yes.
Then where, I mean-
Hang them there, in cave. He pointed, answering her unthought question. She followed his finger and looked up a craggy mountainside nearby, making out the entrance just barely. The sense of relief that she would not have to be in the same place as where he killed...and ate...was a blessing. There was at least...that.
I think you are right. I will like it better here. Will we stay...for a long time?
Until child comes...maybe longer. Will think of it then. Must not be discovered.
She nodded, understanding, although she wished for far more from him in the way of conversation, she didn't press it and walked towards the house. He suddenly stood in her way, edging towards her, and Ami backed away, timidly.
What is it? She looked down, afraid to look in his eyes.
You smell...wonderful. He started up that wonderful purring, so throaty and sultry, that Ami couldn't stop the blush that immediately surfaced on her cheeks. She wanted to believe that this was the reaction a breeder was supposed to have, but that was becoming a serious doubt in her mind.
It's me, I know it is. Good god, could I actually be attracted to him? She hoped he didn't pick up on that thought, some were just too private. He didn't seem to, but drew nearer and grabbed her suddenly, pulling her close against him in an uncomfortable fashion. His hardening erection was obvious since it was pressed against her abdomen. She sighed, trying to pull away from him just slightly so she could breathe properly.
You don't have to be so rough with me, I'm not going to fight you.
He huffed with his usual, leering grin. This not rough. Trust me. You want to play rough? I show you. His following chuckle was not very assuring. Ami backed away some more, and shook her head at him.
I'd rather not.
He laughed, obviously finding her a constant source of his amusement. She gave only a stern look in response, but it didn't seem to phase him. He came closer again and once again breathed her in. Exactly what was it, she wondered, that he found so intoxicating? Her body odor? (She was sure she had plenty of that...when was the last time she had a shower?) A certain smell of a body part? Shuddering, she forced away that train of thought.
Well, little mouse, you clean up your new house. Get comfy. I will fix up cave.
She huffed slightly to herself. The place wasn't "comfy" in the slightest, with nothing but bare walls and eons of dust. Fix up?
It needs work. He looked over at the entrance as he thought the answer. Been a long time.
How long?
Not sure. Many years. I don't count them.
Ami blinked. Exactly how old are you?
He scuffed a foot on the ground, still looking at the cave. You ask a lot of questions.
Because I'm curious about you. I'm fascinated, actually. Can't you tell me anything?
He looked back at her finally, huffing with a slight growl and seemingly very agitated...or maybe trembling with unused energy. He seemed quite eager to go again, and Ami knew exactly why.
Too hungry to talk.
You're always hungry.
Yes. Always. Cursed, hunger. Never ceasing.
She frowned at that response. Why are you cursed, Goliathus?
Humans cursed me.
Huh? How did we do that?
He scraped the ground again, putting small furrows into the dirt where he stood, and flexed his hands. Ami realized in that moment that he might not be angry...but rather trying to control his never-ending, persistent craving by doing these things. Quirks? Twitches? She thought hard, and suddenly an idea was creeping into her brain, but she felt the pin needles interrupt as he spoke again.
Because your flesh tempts me, and now I am cursed. But child break curse. Will not sleep, for long time.
Listen...if I help to feed you more, will that make you more willing to talk?
His eyes widened, truly shocked by that statement. There was a long period of silence, as Ami waited for him to respond.
How you do this, human? You will go murder your own?
NO, Goliathus. I will prepare animals for you. You can eat them, and they will help right? You never did bring me that deer I once asked you for. If you do bring me deer, I can butcher them. I prefer the muscle, or what we call venison, so you can have all the like organs, anyway. And I'll use the skins to cover the door and windows, or for warm clothes.
He snorted, as if he was going to dismiss the idea, but quite surprisingly, he nodded. Fine. I will do this.
And you'll talk to me more?
If I choose. He turned with a sudden motion, and before Ami could say anything more, he was gone to his cave. Saying she was going to do all this was one thing, but actually doing it was another. Ami chuckled at her own bravado...she had very little experience in hunting or butchering animals. How she was going to pull this off exactly she wasn't sure...but the idea seemed good and she needed it to work.
It's a start anyway, isn't it? If I get him to eat more animals...he just might be calmer for longer periods of time. And then I can attempt to bond with him...or at least try... Ami sighed loudly to herself. He was so difficult, but she just couldn't give up. If she did, what would be the point to her life anymore? This was her fate, and she could either cry and let herself fall into depression, or try and change it for the better. Besides she knew full well she could run away for many miles, and he'd still find her in a heartbeat with that powerful nose, so trying to escape him was impossible. The only way she was ever going to leave is if he let her go, and it was quite clear that was never, ever going to happen.
/
End Chapter 4