Ch.1: Born With Wings
Since the beginning of time, flying has always been every creature’s most cherished dream. Even those who suffer from an extreme fear of heights can’t help but visualize it in their minds, craving to experience both the freedom and wonder that flying brings; Picturing laughter as they dive bravely in and out of clouds, and smiling as they float about leisurely, spreading out their wings, soaring to a glide, as they steady themselves on the warm currents of air, swirling invisibly in the sky above.
Yes, flight truly is a blessing sought by all, but when the craving becomes too much, darkness can balance on the razor’s edge, threatening to clip the wings of the entitled and torment those who feel outcast, knowing that they shall never achieve this long, sought-after, shared dream.
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Far away, in a distant galaxy somewhere, where spirals of stars swirled, shining like gold ribbons against a blanket of night, the peaceful planet of Stargaze twirled and spun, independent and proud in its own space, pink and purple clouds clutching onto the planet’s surface, glowing like a soft, warm blanket made out of silk.
Beneath those clouds, a marvelous civilization thrived, filled with anthropomorphic creatures, whom had been blessed years ago by their creator with the glorious gift of wings.
The joy of flight, now theirs to embrace, allowed them to oversee the construction of many marble-carved civilizations, and better appreciate the lush, green, jungle life that stood just outside their realm; fed by a waterfall that poured from a mountain range, an icy monster hiding the sacred treasure known as Celestra’s Peak.
Wings were so valued on Stargaze, that to be born without them was seen as a curse and sparked a deeply-seated fear. Specifically of Zagarow, the first Wingless, and the terror he had unleashed across the land.
Though considered a myth now in Stargazian lore, the fear that Wingless evoked in society was still very real in the present day.
That is why, when Madame Rouge first discovered Anubis, she knew that she couldn't tell a single soul.
One day, while working alone in her garden, tending to the tulips, Madame Rouge heard a soft cry. At first, the beautiful, white bat had thought her senses had been wrong, but then, she heard the cry again, this time a little bit more clear.
Putting down her gardening tools, Madame Rouge got up from where she kneeled, and twisted her ears back and forth, trying to locate the source of the sound.
Soon her natural born radar had her turning towards Militant Avenue, where Mr. Young, her close-by neighbor, had all of the pieces for his craft-making set outside. Very soon, a great art show would be coming to Stargaze, so the road was thick with boxes and pots.
It was in one of those pots where Madame Rouge finally found the source of the crying. There, lying in the bottom of a rather large pot, was the soft, black form of a young, baby jackal with deep, golden eyes glittering with tears.
“Oh no” said Madame Rouge, immediately reaching down to pick up the toddler in her arms “ What’s a little thing like you doing out here?”
Of course, when she finally got the baby jackal out of the pot, Madame Rouge had her answer, nearly dropping the kid in shock when she noticed the complete absence of wings.
The reason why the child was left behind was so clear to Madame Rouge now. If any other creature figured out there was a child like this left here, he wouldn’t last for very long.
For a while, Madame Rouge wasn’t sure what she should do herself. But when she looked into the young baby’s golden eyes, she knew that she could never leave him here alone.
Cuddling the sweet ball of fluff into her arms, Madame Rouge turned around and headed back home.
Once back inside her house, Madame Rogue immediately set to work in caring for the wingless child. Bathing it and feeding it just like any mother would.
Love filled her heart instantly the moment she saw the young jackal’s gleeful smile. This child couldn’t live through a life of abandonment just because of the loss of wings.
A vow was made later that night, as she put the young pup to bed.
“You shall live a happy life my little Anubis” said Madame Rouge “ and if real wings won’t solve your problems, then maybe fake wings will,”
So, a few years later, just as Anubis had turned five, Madame Rouge had successfully sewn him a pair of fake, bat-like wings to match her own natural set. Anubis embraced his new gift with delight, but before he could run off to school to show them off, Madame Rouge delivered him a stern warning.
“Do not try to fly young one and watch what you say. Others on Stargaze will not understand one with your special needs,”
Anubis promised and ran off to school as Rouge watched him leave, praying that her little jackal had the strength to keep that promise.