(this story was made via polls on my Patreon Discord. participants choosing what direction the story goes in. You are seeing the results of the polls as the story unfolds)

link to Part 1


for days you keep the chick well away from the lake. you shelter it, you graze with it, you run together. its legs are still small and you must slow yourself yet you dont mind. you know the chick will grow stronger.
but you cant keep it away from the lake forever.
every creature needs water.
its why this place is so dangerous. why the trap you help set works so well.
the day comes all too soon that the chick must drink. you both must drink. you've been avoiding the water as well. seeing only glimpses of the Demon when it bathes in the sun.
you steady yourself and go to the water. and you scream. you scream and kick the water as if its the water itself that is evil. the chick cowers behind you confused. you scream again, hiss and shake your feathers. willing with your whole being for the Demon to show itself.
you need not wait long. it surges from the water, not a lunge to capture prey but its frightening all the same. great jaws clack together and its hisses back at you.
you stand your ground and make yourself look as big as you can. its not much, compared to the bulk of the Demon. you know this .
you circle the chick, drawing attention to it. stomping and hissing at the water when the Demon's gaze turns to such a tiny meal.
you've always been sweet to the Demon. but not this time. this time you will not let it take from you.
you hold its gaze firm, willing it to understand you.