Red River of Darkness

Chapter One
Libby rose from the ground, finding herself on a field. The sky was cloudy, and castles and kingdoms loomed close to her. ''This isn’t home…. ''Villages with people were there. Libby gasped, as she was wearing gloves, encrusted with a sapphire. Deciding that she should head over to civilization, the brunette padded farther from the endless plains.

“Hello?”

Libby turned to see a strange-looking woman drawing awfully close to Libby.

“Uh, hi.” Libby said.

“Who are you?” the blue-haired girl asked.

“Libby.” The brunette answered.

“I’m Theia.” The woman said, introducing herself.

“Cool!”

“Anyways,” Theia stuttered. “I wanted to warn you to not go over to that village. The queen is not that friendly to outsiders. If you want to settle, you can bunk with me!”

“Oh,” Libby barked. “Where are we exactly?”

Theia heaved a deep sigh, then spoke. “Qiblette. Close to Mount Olympus.”

“Mount Olympus?” Libby was amazed.

“Yeah!” Theia said, annoyed. “Y’ know, the gods live there.”

“So I could see Athena?” asked Libby.

“Why do you want to see her?”

“She can help solve my problems. I’m not supposed to be here!”

“Alright.” Theia sighed. “Pogonip, here!”

A majestic white Pegasus slowly flapped down the limit of sky, mane bristling through the chilly breeze. Theia leaped on him, beckoning Libby to come on, too. Reluctantly, Libby climbed onto the huge creature. Once again, Pogonip’s wings spread, entering the realm of sun and blue and clouds. He was gliding quickly across the sky, Libby enjoying the ride.

There was a huge way up from the earth below, there it was- Mount Olympus in all its glory. But Pogonip calmly zipped past it.

“The stop was right there!” snapped Libby.

“You don’t need her help!” said Theia.

A droplet splashed onto Libby’s nose.

“Great.” growled Libby. “A storm is coming.”

Rain began to drip more frequently down the sky, which had transformed into a sinister color of dark gray.

“POGONIP!” shouted Theia. “GET DOWN! FIND SHELTER!”

A whinny was what came out of the Pegasus’s mouth, certainly frightened by the rainstorm. Libby felt rain run down her clothes, and huddled close to Theia, who’s clothes were also soaked. The winged horse then bucked the duo off its back, Libby and Theia sent falling down the sky like the raindrops. A river loomed near, so Libby shouted to Theia with all her voice power.

“AIM FOR THE RIVER!”

Theia pushed close to Libby, then splash they went, facefirst into the channel of water. Libby couldn’t see a thing, but something grabbed her hand, forcing her to the beach. Opening her eyes, Libby saw it was the lean shape of Theia, who was pointing to a cabin.

“COME ON!” she called.

Libby rushed into the cabin, panting as she slammed the door. Theia unpacked her knapsack, a crystal necklace gleaming. She put it on her neck. Thunder rumbled from outside the shelter. There was a fireplace there, Theia finding flint to ignite it with. Now there was a crackling fire before the two, Libby feeling warmer.

“This can be our temporary shelter.” Theia said solemnly.

Libby gave a nod, unable to use her voice after shrieking the way to Theia, who plopped onto one of the nearby beds. Libby joined her, but on a different one, letting sleep get the best of her.

''A beautiful vocal melody was the only thing Libby could hear. Wait, no, there was growling. A slender jackal streaked with blue and black was standing on two legs. It was wearing a pharaoh headdress, and its ears were driven back. It began to run over to a sea. The song died down, a fish tail splashing down into the water. The jackal gave a snap, and horrifyingly, in a dark voice said:''

''“This isn’t over, sea-girl!”''