Chapter 10

10

 

Minutes soon turned to hours. The swaying of the cart began to rock me into an ominous sleep, distracting me from the world. It was almost peaceful, and I hated myself for calling it that way. But it made me forget everything.
And soon, I began to dream. Thoughts and reveries of my kingdom lurked in my head, and sent me into a world deprived of harm and terror. But of course, it didn't last long. Reality just couldn't leave me alone. The rocking suddenly slowed to a halt, sending me flying to the other side of the cage. Moans and whines followed, as the rest scattered across the bars, their faces painted with distress.
Then the sound of rattling fences echoed through the air, ringing through our ears. Why did we stop? What was that sound? Danger? Danger? Nobody knew what to do. Some lay helpless and silent, some screamed for help, and others yanked on the bars in desperation. But after thirty seconds, everybody froze. Fear had paralysed everyone. Even me. I lay with my head propped sideways, barely able to move or open my eyes. But I knew someone was there. Their presence haunted the cage, sending waves of panic through every little heart and soul...
"Oi, get up." A sharp voice broke the silence. "Get up. NOW."

I opened my eyes slowly. A tall man in a white coat stood firm at the cage's entrance, surrounded by three others. They were humans. Disgusting humans. I let out a low growl, my eyes narrowing at the sight. Their looks darted over to my direction.

"Oh, it looks like this one wants to play games...well I've got a game for you!" One sneered, bringing out a whip. My eyes widened in terror; never had I seen such a weapon. It was ugly and serpentine, like the head of Medusa. But that wouldn't stop me. I was a battle angel, and nothing less. Burying my fear, I switched to untamed anger.

"DON'T TOUCH ME, OR ELSE I'LL HUNT YOU DOWN AND MURDER YOU!"
My eyes flared with rage, but they just laughed.

"Looks like we've got a feisty one! Don't worry, we know just how to deal with you."
Now my level of concern began to rise. What were they talking about?

I couldn't even begin to think, for they yanked me by the collar in no time flat and hurled me out of the cage, ramming me into a wall. My spine nearly shattered from the blow, extreme anguish following after. As my screams echoed in the sky, others watched in terror.

"Anybody else thinks they can challenge us?!" They snapped, pointing to me.
Nobody said a word. Their eyes began to examine our terrified faces, as if they were choosing their next victim. Our hearts beat like drums; who was next to take a blow?
"Please don't beat me," someone whispered, setting everything off. Suddenly, a crack of the whip sounded and sent everyone into a frenzy. Broken wings fluttered around, people threw themselves this way and that; all desperate to crawl away from the whip.
"ENOUGH." One of the men called out, placing the whip in his hand.

"That was only a warning. You're lucky nobody's hurt. If you challenge us or dare to speak, this won't be the only injury you'll end up with!"
The angels huddled up in the corner of the cage, and few glanced back at me. Some made desperate signals to get up and send help, but I was in too much pain to even breathe. I shook my head with the deepest regret, as some began to cry.

"As for you," two of the men snarled, turning around, "you're in a whole lot of trouble."
My lips remained sealed, but a look of the deepest revenge lingered in my eyes. They managed to take the hint.

"You don't scare me. You are pathetic. Worthless. Sinful," they snarled, bending down to eye level, "now get a grip. 'Cause you ain't going nowhere!"

That was the last straw. I wasn't taking anything from them anymore.
"I SWEAR YOU'RE-" My words were suddenly cut off by a gentle voice.

"What is going on out here?" They said, suddenly appearing from a building. It was another man, dressed in a white coat.

"YOU'RE EVERYWHERE!" I spat, disgusted by what I saw.
The man looked at me in confusion. "No, no, no. You're quite mistaken. I'm Doctor Reed, and these are my assistants. Are they treating you well?"

I shook my head violently.
"Well," he turned to them, "You shall be dealt with most severely! How dare you treat such precious creatures like this so maliciously! Be gone!" The assistants trudged off, a look of guilt and annoyance crossing their faces.

"Now that they're gone, I shall help and nurture you all back to full health, to make up for my assistants' awful behaviour," the man smiled, helping me to my feet. The other angels clapped in relief and joy, crawling out of the opened cage. I watched as each of them followed the man into the building, half limping. But for some reason, I didn't want to follow. This man seemed suspicious. Everything about him didn't seem right, and nothing added up. Those assistants, his attitude; it all seemed too unusual. Of course, I couldn't convince everybody to return, for they were too overjoyed by his care and support. But I had to follow, for if I wasn't there, who would protect these gullible angels? I staggered over and limped behind the rest, praying that he wouldn't hurt them. We followed him for quite a while, entering rows upon rows of metal and glass rooms. It was unlike anything I had seen before. The walls were tinted glass, reflecting the shine of the equipment behind them. Inside the rooms were weird chairs, metal rods, wires and bottles of coloured extracts dotted neatly on each shelf. As I limped past, my suspicions rose higher; these things didn't seem safe. 
But everybody else thought they were fine.

"I truly am sorry for before," the man spoke suddenly, "I'll make up for it. Once you're here, you'll feel at home again!"

My eyes narrowed and I breathed heavily. "How could we feel at home when humans have DESTROYED our home?!"

The man said nothing, then took a left turn and shuffled us all down the hallway.
"Answer me!" I yelled again. He didn't even glance back, but opened a massive door and pushed us through. Behind the door stood rows and rows of barred prisons, all with doors wide open.
"I hope you enjoy your stay!" He sneered, clapping his hands and summoning at least twenty other men.
Before anybody could move, they grabbed us and hurled us into each cell, locking it tight from behind. My body swelled with fury as I yanked on the bars.
"WE TRUSTED YOU!!" I screamed. All of the white-coats cackled. "This is our world now. You can't trust anyone here!"
And with that, they took off, leaving us as maddened creatures, trapped by iron bars.
We had fallen for their lies again. And I had failed to protect the ones I needed the most.

Author's Note

Tell me what you think!