Work Text:
I
I remember many years past
the day I met those who Watch me.
I remember when I freed the end at last.
I thought it was my only chance to be free.
I slew the dragon that day,
not realising how weak I’d be,
nor that it would open the way
for those who Watch to capture me
Once I entered the door to home.
I realised something was very wrong.
I floated in a void, alone,
Even then, I knew I didn't belong.
Then from the void, two figures came
with hoods over faces and giant wings.
Purple in hue, of feathers, not flame.
Arriving, They spoke in poems of all things.
I heard my voice join without command.
I realised then the danger I was in.
One reached out a dark, gloved hand.
Then and only then did I feel true fear begin.
The One came forward, purple glow beginning.
I stopped all struggles as the Second drew near.
With nowhere to run, I realised They were winning.
The hand touched my head and it all faded, even my fear.
Then, energy like a glow rushed through me.
Sight regained, I found I had sprouted wings.
Same as Theirs I wondered how it could be?
Instead of wounds, I’d been given magic of all things.
Still, I felt a looming sense of dread
Worrying these Beings were not benevolent.
Though They obviously did not want me dead,
I feared their plans for me were still malevolent.
I did then the only thing I thought to do.
I used the wings They'd given me to escape,
thinking I could reach a safe place I knew
Strength ebbing, I realised it was too late.
My wings failed and my life flashed before me
As I fell, fast approaching, I saw the ground,
Though, I feared it would be the last I would see
On this fateful day, my luck did abound,
I survived what should have been a deadly fall.
Then I heard a voice familiar to me,
and my name it did call.
I knew then I was as safe as I could be.
II
Some time later I learned to hide my wings
and found a family of friends.
I had learned so, so many things
since that fateful day in the end.
Those who Watch sang the moon down,
and we were forced to flee
to protect my friends, I hid Their sound,
but I wondered; who would protect me.
We made it safely to our new home,
but my worries kept me up at night.
In my fear I was alone,
Only I knew the truths just beyond sight.
Nothing came of what I feared.
I thought I'd finally found peace.
Then the Rift appeared,
and I pressed the button that released the ‘beast’.
III
It was time to leave my old home
and travel somewhere new.
I visited a world I know.
Many of my friends were there too.
A competition held by those who Watch,
with secrets forced to keep.
I helped another who was once caught,
The Canary is finally free.
When all is said and through,
me and my friends again lose touch.
I'm left unsure what to do,
Once again alone to fear those who Watch much.
I'm now stuck between worlds, old and new,
whilst awaiting my new home.
Lost in the void awaiting Their next move,
I'm stuck here, once again, all alone.
I realise now what I must do.
I must face the ones who Watch,
and learn once and for all what is true,
before I am again caught.
I steel myself for what's ahead
as a hooded figure appears.
Many thoughts whirl through my head.
I'm worried They'll confirm my fears.
Finally, though unprepared, I shout.
“What do you want from me?”
A reply came from an unseen mouth.
“Little one, I want you to see.
If you come to our home,
we'll teach you of our ways.
Then you'll no longer be alone.
One who watches for all your days.”
I felt a presence, silencing my voice.
I saw one who Watches closing in.
I knew then I had no choice.
I was going with them.
They brought me to a Great Hall,
the place They called Their home.
They promised me they'd teach all
and that I'd never again feel alone.
They taught me of Their many ways
and of Their plans for me.
One who Watches all my days,
forcing others the same to be.
“This thing I will not do,
and I won't let you force me.
I will find a way to escape from you
and once and for all be truly free.”
“If you wish to leave this place,
we will let you go free.
But, in turn, to save face,
it will cost your memory.”
One who Watches raises a hand.
I see a purple glow.
I hear a final whispered command.
Then darkness is all I know.