The New World: Blue Moon Generatoin

by Andy Skrzynski

  Her faithful friend rubbed his chin. "Maybe they survived. Keep searching."

  She motioned. "You circle that way; I'll go around those maples. Let's meet on the other side of that hill."

  A few minutes later, Proto cleared the peak first. "This way! I found them! They're alive!"

  Running over the hill, she spotted two tawny and white striped kittens and one slightly larger calico, mostly tar-colored with orange and white patches. "Thank God, they're still alive, but where did that other one come from?"

  The calico hissed and stalked the two tabbies, who scattered like terrified rabbits.

  Caru stopped dead in her tracks. Wicked!

  She retreated a step. "Careful! Something is wrong with that bigger one!"

  She glanced at Proto then at the strange critter. "See its mouth? The insides and tongue are black and leathery, not pink. And look at those!"

  Teeth bared, the creature stared at Caru with sickly, yellow eyes — no pupils like other mammals. Similar to insects, the peculiar, lemon eyeballs had hundreds of segments. Caru moved closer.

  Proto yelled. "Stay back! I don't trust that thing! I'm having trouble reading its mind."

  "I'll be careful." Caru gingerly inched nearer. Her heartbeat quickened as she leaned over and squinted.

  The odd kitten slowly arched its spine as the ragged fur of its nape stiffened. Its charcoal tail shot skyward. Opening its jaws, the wretched being hissed.

  Its eerie eyes widened as it spat a clear, liquid spray toward Caru. She jumped to the side. A couple of stray droplets landed on her bare leg.

  "Brutish! That burns!" She backed off and retrieved the container from her pocket.

  Snatching it, Proto opened the lid and smeared globs of salve over her red, bubbling wounds. "How does that feel?"

  He smirked. "See, it hurts, doesn't it?"

  "Aw, shut your flap! It just stung a little. Nothing I can't handle."

  Her eyes darted to and fro. "Where is that devil cat?"

  Her buddy scanned the area. "There, by the log!"

  "We've got to catch it!"

  Brow wrinkled, Proto scratched his short, curly blond hair. "How? That thing will spray us!"

  "I think we ought to be able to outsmart a brain that small, don't you? Spread out and get into its mind!"

  "It's not that simple. This creature's thoughts aren't like other cats'. It's crazed and wants to kill!"

  Caru shot him a stern glare. "You can do it! Concentrate!"

  Proto squeezed his eyes shut for a second, then slowly opened them. He stared at the feline terror.

  It froze for a moment, then scooted into a hollowed log.

  "Yay! I finally did it!"

  Caru raised her arms. "Great, Scatterbrains. How are we going to get that critter out of there?"

  She surveyed the area and located a couple of flagstones. "Over here, grab that rock. I'll get the other."

  Lifting one, she placed it over the closest opening of the log. "Take yours and cover the other end. Prop a stick against it and make sure there's no space wide enough for that creature to escape."

  Proto followed her instructions. "Good, now that we've got it trapped, let's get the other kittens. When we're done, we better tell Thoruk."

  "Naw, Father's got bigger worries. Besides, we're the ones that caught it."

  She grinned. "After we check out Snuffy's kittens and make sure they're safe, we'll take them to Hoot."

  Clutching her friend's biceps, Caru looked him in the face. "Then, we'll go see Queasy and explain what happened. He's brainier than we are. Let him get that demon out from the log and examine it. He can figure out what it is. Hopefully, he can shed more light on that mutant fish we caught yesterday. In the meantime, not a word to anybody else. Understood?"

  Proto scrunched his nose. "Yeah, but..."

  Caru shook her head and put a finger to his lips. "Shhh."

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Power Play

  Thursday ~ July 9, 2093 ~ 11:30 am

  After her husband, Drew, and their son, Proto, left to go to the village for supplies, Mercivil sat on the porch swing of their cabin. She teased two kittens wrestling next to her, while their young owner watched. Poor girl. I feel for Hoot.

  Mercivil winked at her playmate. "I'm sure glad your mommy and daddy let you stay with me today. We're going to have fun with Chili and Ice later, once the lake warms up."

  Hoot's eyes sparkled. "Yay, I love Chili and Ice!"

  Mercivil put her arm around the youngster. "I'm sorry about Snuffy and her kitten. Are you feeling better this morning?"

  "I'm not as sad as yesterday." She lowered her chin and stared at her light blue moccasins, each with a pink bow.

  Fulfilling Blessivil's request to help the child deal with the tragedy, Mercivil coaxed her. "Your mommy says you cried a lot before falling to sleep last night. I can surely understand. Listen, if you get tired later and want to take a nap, just let me know."

  The little girl stopped nibbling her fingernails and looked up. "Okay."

  Mercivil peered at Hoot. "Wow, you've got such beautiful amber eyes."

  "Thank you, but what does amber mean?"

  "They're golden brown — like your father's."

  "Oh."

  Gently holding the seven-year-old's chin, Mercivil smiled. "Can you tell me what you remember from yesterday?"

  She pursed her lips and turned away. "Do I have to?"

  Mercivil shook her head. "Only if you want, Sweetie."

  "Well..." she paused, "...I'm really not sure what happened."

  Her eyes rolled as if searching her mind. "I saw Snuffy and the kittens go into the woods. Then I heard a hiss and a screech, so I ran as fast as I could. I never did find Snuffy or the kittens — just a lump with bubbles and smoke."

  Hoot sniffled as her neck blushed. "That's when I saw her collar, the yellow one I gave her for Christmas. My hands started shaking, and I tried to scream, but nothing came out. Everything around me sorta went foggy with stars floating around, almost like dreaming, I think. When I opened my eyes, all the trees were broken. That's when my scream finally came out!"

  Her face grew redder as she cried. "Something killed Snuffy!"

  Overcome by an unsettling chill, Mercivil's stomach churned as her friend continued to recall her ordeal. The kittens became agitated and arched their backs, then jumped to the floor. Not sure what to make of it, she pulled the child close and hugged her. "It must have been horrible."

  The youngster bit her lip. "I was more mad than sad." She clenched her teeth.

  "Shhh, dear. It's okay." A sudden urge to gag hit Mercivil. What's happening to me?

  She slid her hand along Hoot's arm which grew warmer with each passing second. "Let's not talk about this for now."

  Not more than 50 yards away, on the shoreline of Lost Arctic Bear Lake, Chili and Ice rose to their hind legs and roared.

  That's strange. Why are those bears acting up? Mercivil stood. "What's wrong with you two?"

  As they dropped to their fours and lumbered toward the water, Mercivil swayed and grabbed the porch rail. Whoa, I feel dizzy — my head hurts.

  She glanced at the child. "Why don't you take a nap now? We'll swim with the bears in a little while."

  "Good, I'm kinda tired anyway." Hoot laid across the swing and closed her eyes.

  Deeply flushed during the recollections, her skin faded to its usual, lightly-tanned complexion as she dozed off.

  Within seconds, Mercivil's wooziness and pain dissipated. That's weird; now I feel better.

  She held her fingers to her lips. Could Hoot...?

  Mercivil shook her head. Nah.

  An Hour Later

  Excited to show off the improvement of his telepathic abilities with animals, Proto flipped the reins. "Get a move on it, Grace." The mare snorted and picked up the pace.

  Joining him for the afternoon's 'special powers' competition, Caru, Fox, and Teli appeared just as giddy. They rode their horses along the
trail into Porcupine Forest.

  Proto looked back. Out of hearing range, Caru appeared to be talking to the pets as if the creatures cared in the least bit.

  He chuckled as he squared himself in the saddle. This is my day!

  Like a buck focused on a doe in the spring, he was determined to prove his talents to his dream girl, Caru. At the same time, he'd show Fox a thing or two.

  Knowing his sparring partner would be of a like mind, Proto turned toward his buddy and grinned. "You don't have a chance. I'll show you."

  Fox smirked. "Yeah, we'll see. This test is about brains, not brawn, you oaf."

  Teli laughed. "I've never seen any other guys suck up to my sister like you two. Even though you're both our cousins and nothing is ever going to come of it, she's got you eating out of her palm whenever she wants."

  Blushing, Proto scrunched his face. "What are you talking about?"

  Fox stared at him. "Don't deny it, my starry-eyed brute. You're in looove."

  Catching up, Caru interrupted the exchange. "I could hear you squabbling way back there! You're worse than a couple of fishermen arguing whose bass is bigger." Perturbed, Proto clenched his teeth.

  Caru softly kicked Cocoa, and her mount sped to a trot. "Come on, keep up and save your energy for the competition."

  Digging his heels into his steed, Proto zoomed past Fox with a glare that could kill. "Better pick up the pace, Big Mouth!"

  After reaching the destination and eager to get going, Proto hopped down and marched toward Fox. "I think you should go first. I started it off the last time."

  "Naw, not me. Let Book Worm take the lead. He missed our last outing."

  Teli's face lit up. "I don't mind. I'm ready. You'll like what I've got to show you!"

  He pulled a stopwatch from his pocket and handed it to his sister. "Remember, we're measuring effectiveness and speed."

  While twisting the knob to wind it and reset the time, Caru glanced at Teli. "By the way, how did it go with Queasy yesterday? Did you catch that poor, helpless kitten in the log?"

  His dark brown eyes grew to the size of an owl's. "You'll have to ask Queasy himself. I think he'd love to give you a piece of his mind about that kitten."

  Caru snickered. "Oh, he'll get over it."

  "By the way, Sis, did you get burned yesterday?"

  "Sure did!" She pointed to the blisters on her calf.

  "Thanks!" Teli showed her identical sores on his leg. "You need to be more careful! Whenever you get hurt, I feel your pain! Remember?"

  "Yeah, yeah — that's what you get for being my twin." She patted his shoulder.

  "Stop your bellyaching. Let's begin. What do you choose as a subject of your test?" A smile spread wide as Teli's eyes settled on Proto.

  Having experienced his influence before, Proto backed away. "Nooo, choose somebody else."

  Caru clutched his arm. "You're the one, Big Boy. Take it like a man."

  Slumping, he shook his head. "Ohhh, let's just do it." I'm going to regret this.

  With his weapon of choice — a pencil wedged behind his ear — Teli strolled over and stood toe-to-toe, peering into Proto's eyes.

  Caru focused on the watch. "Get readyyyy — go!" She clicked the button.

  Her skinny twin stared harder through his oversized, black-rimmed spectacles, fixed near the end of his nose as always.

  Proto sensed him probing the insides of his skull. I hate this! Suddenly, his mind went blank.

  "Twenty-three seconds!" Caru's voice startled Proto, and he slowly opened his eyes.

  Noticing his lips pressed against Fox's cheek, he jumped back. "Brutish!"

  He spat on the ground, then again. His scowl settled on Teli as he inched closer. "What did you do?"

  Shrewdly stepping away, Teli chuckled. "I thought you and Fox needed to make up, so I told your mind that you needed to kiss him." He laughed. "You did all the rest."

  Proto's neck warmed. "That's not funny!"

  Fox wiped his cheek with his arm. "I agree with you for a change, but you better not kiss me again, ever!"

  Unable to control herself, Caru bent over in a laughing fit. "I thought it was hilarious! A big ole country boy like you chasing scrawny ole Fox, trying to give him a peck on the cheek. I'll never be able to unsee that!"

  The corners of Proto's frown curved up a smidgen as he looked at Teli. "Wait till I get my chance."

  "Not now, Hunky, it's my turn!" Caru handed the stopwatch to her brother. "I want Foxy Boy for my test."

  Curling her finger while licking her lips, she enticed her next subject nearer. "I'm not sure I can beat Teli's time, but I'm going to try."

  Fox's face brightened, obviously thrilled to be chosen by the girl he most adored, even if they were second cousins.

  Caru winked. "Come here." He walked closer and peered into her hypnotic, green eyes.

  Never had Proto seen such a broad smile as the one pasted across his fishing buddy's face. "Let it rest, Fox. She's just playing with you."

  Teli held the timepiece high. "Ready, set, go!"

  Caru slowly backed away but maintained her trance on Fox. Within a moment, his feet danced in place; then he hopped.

  Proto couldn't figure out what his friend was doing. Suddenly it dawned on him when his buddy grabbed his crotch and spun, picking up speed.

  Hand to his mouth, Proto tried to keep from laughing. Brutal! I can't believe she's doing that to him!

  With his grip still firmly in place, Fox broke into a full gallop and disappeared around a massive oak. Immediately, a long, yellow stream shot from behind the trunk, watering the soil nearby.

  Teli clicked the button and yelled. "Twenty-seven seconds!"

  Fox peeked from behind the tree. "That wasn't nice! I almost peed my shorts."

  "It was incredible!" Proto bellowed.

  "Not nearly as entertaining as you chasing Fox around to give him a big, fat smooch!" Hands in his pockets, Teli stood with a smirk.

  Snatching the stopwatch, Proto poked Fox in the ribs. "Time for you to make a go of it."

  "Lookin' forward to it, Slug Creeper." He ducked and twisted his shoulders. "Keep yer eyes peeled. You best not forgit to dodge; else you git whacked."

  Proto wrinkled his nose and shrugged. "Quit your yapping and get ready — on my count: one, two..." He paused and kept silent.

  Fox stomped his foot. "Come on, Goof!"

  Proto pushed the button. "...three!"

  Rigid, Fox stood with his arms to his sides. Pine cones, leaves, and stones in the area vibrated.

  Oh, no! What is he up to? Proto's eyes widened.

  Leaves shuffled and skimmed across the soil. Then twigs tumbled in his direction. This can't be good.

  A pine cone zipped past Proto's head. Another hit his shin. "Hey!"

  A twig struck his forehead, and a pebble belted his gut. "Ouch! Cut it out!"

  Proto's chest pounded as a large, heavy rock floated in the air and began to shake. Fox grinned.

  With his eyes the size of eggs, Proto hollered. "Nooo, you better not!" His heart lurched as he ducked and peeked through his fingers.

  Fox relaxed, and the boulder dropped to the ground. "Hurry, stop the watch, you chicken. What's my time?"

  Proto fumbled the timepiece and finally pressed the switch. "Thirty-one seconds."

  "Aw, that ain't fair. You took forever to stop the clock!"

  "It's not my fault. You were throwing stuff at me!"

  "I warned you. I told you to prepare to dodge. You're the one who didn't listen."

  Caru ran to Fox's side. "That was wicked! You've really improved your aim."

  Teli joined them. "And you're lifting much heavier items! I'm impressed!"

  Fox snickered. "Maybe, but I gotta git better. I didn't wallop the lug hard enough."

  Scowling, Proto nudged him. "Believe me; it hurt plenty. I can't wait to get started with my stunt."

  Caru grabbed his arm. "Alright, Animal Whisperer, it's your turn. You definitely need some
practice after what I saw with that devil cat."

  Proto feigned a glare. "Funny. You should try reading a muclone's mind sometime. It's not as easy as you think."

  He extended the timer in her direction. "Here, you tell me how fast I am."

  Proto lowered his gaze to Fox. "Don't keep your feet glued to the ground."

  "What do you mean?"

  "You'll find out."

  "Yeah, sure. Whatever you say, Bud."

  Proto knelt down. "Chili! Ice! Come here!" The polar bears lumbered toward him and plopped on the ground nearby.

  "Look at me." The pets lifted their snouts and stared at him.

  Proto focused on their large, black pupils. "Start the stopwatch."

  As Caru clicked the button, she yelled. "Go!"

  Squinting while using his telepathy, he communicated with both animals.

  As Proto did his thing, Fox kept his eyes trained on the huge fluffs of white. Before he blinked twice, Chili and Ice leaped to their feet.

  Their napes bristled, and both glared at Fox. He gulped. The bears' lips curled as they roared.

  Without a moment's hesitation, he sprinted toward the woods, screaming all the way. "Yikes, get those things off me!"

  Too late! Upon him in a flash, the menacing beasts' ivory teeth snapped at his heels.

  Terrified, he screeched. "Call them off, Proto!"

  Fox tripped, and as he rolled to a stop, the creatures towered over him — their jaws wide open. He covered his face with his arms.

  Proto's voice split the air. "Ice! Chili! Halt!"

  The bears eased. Petrified, Fox remained curled in a ball while the attackers licked his ears.

  CHAPTER SIX

  The Old Man

  Friday ~ July 10, 2093 ~ 9:30 am

  In the heart of Ukkiville, Queasy skimmed an encyclopedia while his assistant watched from a corner of the cabin, turned part-time lab. Teli sure has been a big help lately.

  Glancing up from the dusty volume, Queasy noticed his student with wavy, auburn hair frizzed out from the morning's humidity. "Why are you staring at me?"

  Teli lowered his eyes and continued dissecting a frog on a small table. "I don't know. I'm amazed at the number of books you can read in a week. You absorb that stuff like nobody else."