The exhilaration of disobedient exploration,
Omens of doom set aside in wandering pursuit.

A world brightly lit, waters stretching for miles on end; on mechanical wings you rose higher still. The thrill too great, you quiet the risk and pass into wailing cliffs. The flags bordering sanctuary flutter as you press onward.

Along the ridgeline, a dark form goes unnoticed as it detaches from the jagged crevices in pursuit.

Closing the distance quickly, it draws alongside you. A gasp and a tilt as you startle, placing distance between yourself and beast.

Large eyes stare from beneath inky black feathers, its horrid gaze searching your own. Its body twitches, then it speaks.

“What are you, who would soar in my sky?”
Its voice gurgles, thick as if spoken from underwater, teasing out each word slowly.

Silence as both continue.

Fangs glisten as it smirks. “Oh, come now, friend. Will you not speak? Do not hesitate in uncertainty.”

It sinks underneath and rises on the other side, staring as it waits for a reply.

“I am no one. I am nothing,” you manage, a slight tremble in your words as unease grows in its close proximity.

It cocks its head and thinks. “Unlikely, for no one can be nothing. It has been so long since I have encountered something as different as you are from me.”

Dread sinks like a stone in your heart as you reply. “I think the currents took me farther along than intended. I have witnessed the beauty of your lands, and that is all I can bear to see.”

A staccato laugh sounds in its throat.

“Oh dear boy, you are mistaken indeed. There is much more here, especially with a bit of make believe. Come close, I will show you everything.”

You look behind and see how far the miles have grown from safety. In your excitement caution was cast to the wayside. Words of warning now lost as you realize the dangerous domain you traverse.

You turn and see it now right beside you, its lupine features clearly visible. Claws that were hidden are now unveiled. It shivers in excitement.

In the face of death it becomes clear, curiosity is wretched, and sometimes it is best not to let it near.