Prologue: Ancient Secrets

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Rouge’s POV

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I swiftly spread out my deep mauve wings in order to break my fall as I smoothly descended through the small opening.

Once I landed on my feet, I slyly made my way through the labyrinth of tunnels shadowed in darkness, the only light was that of which crept through the small cracks in the ancient stone, the soft breeze blowing gently against my ivory fur.

I smirked as I came to the end of the narrow passageway, noticing the dim golden glow that seeped through the edges of the door, which was marked with old symbols of which I didn’t recognize, most of them either chapped or faded.

Shrugging, I turned the handle left four times, right once, and left again until I heard a faint click, causing the door to slowly open, moaning greatly before it hit the wall which cracked its edge.

Once it was completely open, I shielded my eyes as the dim glow grew into a strong light, its sudden flash leaving purple prints within my closed eyes.

Once the rays seemed to die down a bit, my vision slowly began to adapt until I was able to look into the room perfectly.

I gasped when I saw it—the gem I mean. It was a stunning shade of gold, cut beautifully and its surface shimmered proudly as though it had just been polished.

I chuckled softly, thinking how ridiculously easy this was. There were barely any obstacles or—OW!

“Damn!” I mumbled angrily as I jerked my head quickly to the left, noticing some kind of arrow wedged in my upper arm.

Frowning, I gently grabbed the tip, beginning to carefully pull out the needle.

As it got farther out, (there was some skin still sticking to it) I gritted my teeth to relieve myself of any excess pain, until finally I managed to wiggle it free.

Cocking my head a bit irritated, I merely shook off such a strange item for now and stowed it in my jean pocket.

“Alright, now to get that gem.” I whispered with a hint of determination in my voice.

I took a step towards the jewel, but stopped abruptly, and held my head within my hand.

“Whoa, I feel weird…” I said faintly, bringing myself down to my knees seeing that I could no longer hold my own weight.

Groaning at the headache I was starting to gain, I curled up on the cold hard ground, shivering as I closed my eyes tightly, feeling myself gradually lose consciousness…  

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I stirred a bit before moaning faintly, and opened my eyes slowly to find myself in a daze.

I grasped my head once more realizing that my headache had grown sufficiently worse from before.

I sighed as I carefully got to my feet, spreading my arms out for a moment or two so I could successfully keep my balance.

It was then I realized I was no longer in the depths of the temple, but in the middle of a dark, moist forest, and the sun’s rays were lightly warming my body.

“I wonder how I got out here…” I thought aloud as I slowly scanned my surroundings.

My ears suddenly perked up though as it caught the pitch of some sort of faint wail, an almost haunting sound.

Getting a little nervous, I spread my wings out once more and took off, the forest and temple becoming a distant memory as it faded out of sight…