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Chapter 9
Ostriches gathered around me like an initiation ceremony. They started to squawk loudly as I awoke. Some were preening my ratty wings.
“So I guess I’m one of you now?” they bobbed their heads in excitement. I slowly regained my foothold and stood up. They were just a tiny bit shorter than I was. I ruffled my wings and stared at them intently. I knew a big cat would jump up out of nowhere like earlier. They followed my movements ecstatically, squawking, one chick chirping. I looked around and stumbled foreword. The group followed me happily. I broke into a run, using my wings to gain inhuman speed.
The ostriches were pleased at my speed and joined in the run, though I was ahead of them by far. The land broke away just ahead, and I jumped, spreading my wings into the welcoming currents. I lurched forward, leaving the confused birds behind. I flew with the eagles, beating even their jet like speeds. The wind cradled my snowy wings and I felt safe in its arms.
Soon the afternoon heat became unbearable. I swooped down and landed in the shade. A sound screeched behind me. Hyenas surrounded me. I smiled and waved. “Hi there! Could you tell me where we are? I seemed to have gotten lost.” they cackled and circled around me. I laughed with them. One scowled and lunged at me. I grinned and stepped aside, picking it up.
“You are a cuuute puppy♥ strange, but adowable in your own way♥” it was writhing in emotional pain and snarling in anger. The other hyenas were genuinely perplexed. “What the he…” one thought. “…ck?” another finished the thought. “No, bad puppy, no growling, and stay calm!” I flicked the dog in the nose and it yelped. “Sorry cutie, but no being naughty!” I stroked its head. The dogs were brimming with confusion. They were thinking about how all others feared them, and how I was so strange, much like the prey that got away. Their thoughts interested me greatly, another like me? I cradled the one in my arms and skipped through the long grass. “You need a name… Puppy!” yeah, genius. Puppy decided that escape was not on his to do list. The other three decided that Puppy could find them later.