The Phantom's Curse: Chapter 1

Chapter 1

I wrestled with my moss bed covers, throwing herself out of the tangling blanket mass. Everything was hazy streaks of light, and I gratefully blinked my eyes open.

Home, sweet, home were the only peaceful thoughts laying in my mind. The only thoughts in fact, until the reality of my dreams came spinning into my mind. I felt dizzy. I felt like the potato soup dinner last night would make a hasty reappearance. I felt like I needed to lay down.

Of course, I dismissed all these thoughts as a loud message had been announced from the chat board.

By the deep, loud voice I could tell it was Rain-Cloud That Pours Silver Drops. The love of my life. All the animals in early Jamaa had names of the things Mira dreamed of the night before they were born. My name is Mango Palm Thus Mangos Swing On. My best friend is named Milk-Coated Moon That Hangs Proud in The Night. Milk goes with rain much better than mangoes. Mangoes just turn into soggy mush after rain.

I lazily crept into my cluttered kitchen, too lazy to bother cleaning up. Realizing I had to get to Township soon, she swiftly ran to the Township.

I had always been breathtakingly quick, though rather small. I recalled my mother’s words when I had come to life, “She is much too small. She’ll only grow up to be a disappointment.”

I am determined to beat that fate and prove my mother wrong. My father believed in her at least. He believed I should join the team of animals that left Jamaa once a year, to travel across new land and defeat raging animals near Jamaa’s territory.

My father had declared, at the moment that I was sure to outrun them all. I may still be able to outrun other creatures, yet I don’t know if I can outrun my fate. The journey is only a few night suns away, and I am determined to enter. Even if I risk my life, I will die bravely. Doubt it. I’m terrified of entering, yet I will stay strong.

I just hope it’s much easier than fitting in. I have always had a serious personality, shockingly mature compared to my strong, rowdy peers who don’t see the purpose in staying quiet. Only a few, maybe 6 animals I know are even a dash bit different. Those are my friends. Well, most are my somewhat friends.

Me howling for my friends in Town Square

I spot those friends in the square. I pad over to them, joining in on their gossip-filled conversation. The call of Brook that Babbles Near the Oaks quiets us.   We stop, and listen to Mira’s shocking news.