Chapter Seventeen

The waters rose. The flood was gushing. The water in the tunnels also rose to knee height and everyone's wings were out. Venomma instructed all the natives to use their wings and fly up to the mountains. They were all out of the tunnels and flying toward the mountains. Higher ground was their only option, and also the trees. They used the trees for shelter and rest. there were caves in the hills also, but the spiders were there. Atohmma flew toward the mountains after she was certain that everyone was out of the tunnels safely. Up at the mountains, there were other natives from other villages. It seemed like they were there all along. Nucamma and his village were also there. He wondered why he didn't see Atohmma and the others until he noticed them flying in swarms through the rain and fog. Atohmma hovered over the floods a while, as she tried to get a bird's eye view of the severity of the situation, and any damages. She could have seen over as far as the pasture lands. She saw that the floodwaters had formed the sea and taken over the land. There was no sight of the unicorns She knew they may have had their secret shelters for such times. They were also magical creatures, so their survival mechanisms may have been much more superior to theirs. She looked around some more and saw mostly thick fog over the water-drenched villages.

All they could have done now was wait. They had to wait until the water and atmospheric changes subsided. Nothing else could have been done. Their world was almost caught between worlds. The water rose from underneath and the sea was above them. They knew they were caught between two worlds, and they had no idea what would have happened next. The monsoon brought with it rains and winds, that filled the seas and other water passages. There was no way they could have escaped. Their worlds were rich with water passages. Clean, clear springs, lakes of fresh clear water, ponds, waterfalls, streams, all a part of their world.

Atohmma took to the trees after some time, she wanted to rest a bit and although she knew, that they were fortunate to have use of their wings, she did not consider herself to be the reason. It was once again chance, luck or coincidence as far as everyone including herself, was concerned. At least for now.

From the trees, all they could see was the surrounding mountains. Birds and other animals were nowhere to be seen. Atohmma thought about their pet ponies, but then she remembered, they would have been led to the mountains earlier on. She knew they would be safe in the caves also. Her mind was relieved. Their wings were all wet. Some of them sheltered under leaves in the trees and made themselves as comfortable as possible. Others were already dry as the rains were lighter. After some hours passed, the fog began to clear and the rains were scattered by light. The natives could begin to see some of the tops of their cave homes. From where they were, they could also see some of the other villages, drenched under the cover of the floodwaters. Not even the top of a cave home could be seen. Some of the taller trees were also visible. Atohmma whistled to Venomma and Orgamma. She wanted them to go check on the ponies, the pasturelands and fly around to check out the situation. She didn't want to waste the clearing in the rains as it was an opportunity for them to ensure all is well in some way. They had no clue, as to whether another downpour of rain would happen or not. They flew to the mountain, as they were closer to it. They went to check on the ponies. The ponies were safe and dry. They were all cuddled in a small cave. Satisfied that the ponies were okay, they flew over to the pasturelands. The entire home of the unicorns was covered with water. The area chosen for the well had puddles of floodwater scattered in certain places. They flew across to the waterfalls. The waterfall was gushing down, filling another area of water down below. Atohmma noticed something strange behind the waterfall. Although it was foggy and thick with water, she saw something colorful reflecting behind it. She flew closer but could not identify what was the colored light behind the waterfall. She went back to meet Orgamma and Venomma and she told them about what she was seeing, but it was just a shimmering of color that was seen. She was unable to get close enough to see behind the waterfall. Orgamma mentioned hearing that another mountain existed behind it but, there was no way for them to be sure. Knowing all was seemingly okay, they flew back to the others.

It was a matter of time now. The monsoon's effect above their world was uncertain. The damages were uncertain and so was the after-effects. The natives tried to keep their wings dry even if it meant getting everywhere else wet. Atohmma heard a whistle coming from across the mountain. As she followed its sound, she could see someone fluttering in the open space. Flying nearer, the person also flew nearer to meet her halfway, when she realized it was Nucamma. They were happy to see each other was okay. They spoke a while about the situation and then he went back to his villagers where they gathered and Atohmma flew back to the trees.

While they waited for the waters to subside, there was not much else they could do, but to search for any unutilized cave around. They were already in the mountains but the trees would not be suitable for them to rest and to eat, so they had to find somewhere else. One of the guards and two other natives, went in search of a dry and safe cave. It took them about one hour to come back with some news. When they returned, they went straight to Atohmma saying, there was a cave at the back of the mountain they were on. They said it was large enough to hold them all and that it was dry on the inside. "What are we waiting for, let's go!" said Atohmma. They informed everyone else and following the guard and the other two, they all flew to the other side of the mountain. The cave was abandoned, nothing lived there it seemed. It was dry and seemed safe. There were many trees in front of it and you could almost miss it. The trees hid the opening of the cave. There was also a huge rock close to the entrance, they all had to climb in. It was better than being out in the open, at least they had their lanterns and also their food. They entered orderly and in groups. They were now safe and dry.