Chapter 4 || A Rift Between Worlds || HC x WoF

Instructions

I entered the Music Cave with Heron in front of me. I stared at the variety of instruments. I noticed the skylight in the ceiling. Harps, drums, bongos, maracas, and some other instruments were scattered around the room. “Play whatever, whenever,” Heron said while heading towards the bongos. I wandered to the drums. I ran my claws along the familiar shapes. A few cymbals, snare drum, bass drum, floor tom, high tom, and mid tom. No pedals though. I used to play drums when I was a human. I picked up the drumsticks and sat on a cushion. My tail settled near the bass drum. I thought about what song I wanted to play. I settled on Bleed by Meshuggah. A metal song with a fast double-kick drum pattern that needs high endurance. I took a breath and started drumming. I fell into a comfortable rhythm. I didn’t notice the whole cave going quiet and jaws dropping open. I was fully absorbed in the song. My tail thumped on the bass drum. My limbs flew quickly over the drum set. My body moved independently from each other. My arms played a straight beat while my tail struck the bass drum quickly. Hence why it is a harder drumming song. I am an experienced drummer I admit. Granted, I was part of a band for a long time. I finished the song and put down the drumsticks. “Umm…Cloudstike. How did you do that?” Heron asked. I finally looked up. Oh. I surveyed the shocked faces staring in awe at me. “I used to play drums a while back. I was pretty good at them. Still am,” I responded. I placed the drumsticks on the ground and unraveled my tail. I stood up to stretch. “That was awesome!” a rainwing shouted from the back of the crowd. “Thanks,” I said, feeling a bit proud of myself. Heron joined me while I was leaving the Music Cave. “How did you do that?” Heron asked again. “As I said earlier, I play the drums quite a bit, ” I answered. I flexed my talons. Man, it felt good to play the drums again. I haven’t touched drums since I was turned into a Watcher. I shoved that thought away. “What class is next?” I questioned. “Dinner,” Heron responded. We entered the Prey Center once again. “I am gonna go look at the scavengers real fast,” I said. “Suit yourself,” Heron replied and pranced towards the cows. I walked over to the people. “Everyone! Cloudstrike is back!” Nate announced when he noticed me. “Hi, everyone!” I said cheerfully, waving my talons. “How are you doing?” Robin asked. “Good. Does one of you want to come with me for a bit?” I questioned. Silas raised his hand, “Can I go?” Robin, Alice, Nate, and Theo nodded their heads in agreement. “I’ll come get you after I eat. I don’t think you would want to see that,” I stated. Silas agreed. “Be right back!” I waved my talons bye. I walked over to the cows and joined Heron.