Shasta -- I -- Criminal

Instructions

1) “I told you breaking the law was fun.” Shasta flicked her ear and gave her friend an annoyed glare. Cheriko wasn’t her sister, but with how much time they spent together, she might as well be. “I’m so glad you’re here to constantly prove me wrong,” Shasta responded. “I am too,” said Cheriko, “Now go enjoy the party!” The dimly lit cave was packed with goats, all chattering away without a care in the world. A band played in the corner, the rhythmic sound of their hooves and bellows flooding the room with music. This was a very illegal party, alright. Breaking two laws, and bending several rules. “One,” Shasta mumbled to herself as she stared at the open entrance way to the cave, “Don’t be out past curfew.” The fifteen kids here would beg to differ. “Two. No unapproved gatherings.” “Lighten up! Rule two gets broken all the time.” Shasta recognized the eavesdropper. Lola, a slightly overweight kid like her. Lola’s fur was as white as clean mountain snow, but she was anything but cold. Her warm, friendly smiles could brighten everyone’s day. Maybe that’s why she chose to host this party.“Shasta, I know you tend to worry, but I’ve got some billys keeping an eye out for any sign of Erick. We’ll know if his so-called “police” come.” “Speaking of our great dictator, how did you get out of the prison sentence?” Shasta inquired, not completely convinced, but also wanting to change the subject. “Actually, Jing and Terra stood up for me, helped persuade him I’m innocent. I guess it worked ‘cause he hasn’t arrested me yet.” Lucky. Shasta thought. Erick was a heartless leader of the tribe, choosing violence and punishment over a peaceful reign. Even being associated with a criminal could get you arrested. Shasta tried not to spend time around Lola for that exact reason. Not that it was working. Shasta came to the party anyway. The music stopped abruptly, causing Shasta to flinch with surprise. “I’m the next band, so I’d better go,” Lola said, “Have fun and stop worrying!” “Easy for you to say!” she called back, scratching at the ground. Lola was a handful, alright. Shasta glanced down at her dark hooves, completely contrasting with her white fur, white was splotched with brown and black. She hated the way she looked. It was as though she just finished rolling around in puddles and couldn’t wash out the mud. Her legs were thin and tall, but her body was a small rounded circle. Biting her lip, Shasta sighed. Maybe I’d be better off just going back home. I don’t know why I came here anyway. Shasta thought to herself. Glancing at the kids behind her, she trotted away. Standing outside, most goats would gasp and marvel at the beauty. The moon and stars glowed and the colorful Northern Lights illuminated the sky. Unfortunately, Shasta never considered herself like most goats. She stood out like a rock in a pile of gemstones. It was never Shasta’s doing. She simply had a tense, easily irritated personality the rest of the herd lacked. Others called it a temper. She called it survival instinct. Shasta didn’t bother to stop to admire the view. She continued walking away. That was, until she heard a loud bleat coming from one of the billys guarding the party. She stopped in her tracks, her heart thumping in her chest. “Stop the party! It’s-” The deep voice was cut off by all the shouting. Shasta gasped at the sudden increase in volume. The music stopped, but in it’s place, she could make out screams of panic and Erick’s officers telling everyone to stop. She had no choice but to run. Shasta regretted every decision. Befriending Lola and her friends was a mistake. Now she was going to be banished from the tribe - or worse. “Let’s go, Shasta!” Lola screeched at her, Cheriko panting at her side. An older officer trailed after them. You just gave the officer my name! Shasta cursed under her breath before darting to her left, going after them. How are we going to get out of this? “Stop in the name of the law!” the officer cried, his voice ragged and scratchy. “Your laws are stupid!” Lola retorted, not stopping. Cheriko grinned at her white-furred friend, lagging behind a few paces. “You’re awesome.” “I know. Keep running!” Shasta ran with them, physically present, but mentally distracted. What should she be thinking? Sure, Erick was a cruel dictator. He was a heartless leader, bullying others into submission. But how could she stand up against him? Any opposition was snuffed out before it could grow into a threat. Why did Lola think she stood a chance? Cheriko caught up just as Lola led them around a corner. A jagged rock jutted up from the mountainside, leaving only a small gap behind it. Lola skidded under, scraping her hind knees. Shasta, shoved Cheriko in front of her, and Cheriko ducked through more carefully. Glancing behind her, she noticed that the old officer wasn’t giving up. Before he was close enough, Shasta followed Cheriko and continued the escape, her thoughts racing. (cont. in Notes & Credits)