by B R Flores
Azha swiveled in his chair to greet Choan, but instead of saying ‘hello’ or ‘how are you’, he chuckled and whistled a stupid noise.
Roon snickered, “Wow, is he green. Those stripes are bright.”
Not one bit amused, Choan’s stripes flashed to red. “Not funny. I was glad you weren’t dead… not so much anymore.”
“Grow a thick skin. Do you know where Phera is?” Azha asked.
Choan’s face twisted, wondering if he had been chastised or if it was the Human side of Azha being Human. “She’s safe, I left her with soldiers not far from here.”
From the doorway of the shuttle, they watched a myriad of Quizan lights rise from beneath the ground. Barely alive, they morphed into body form to absorb rays from the Targus Sun.
Today was a victorious day considering the alternative. Over twelve-hundred Kismet Ebb Quizans had survived the Gystfin attack. Nonetheless, not everyone walked away unscathed. Numerous soldiers and Quizans had minor injuries, some were extensive, and a few had critical wounds. But a hundred and fifty-eight losses were far less than expected. To honor the fallen, the debriefing was postponed until morning.
THE COVER OF NIGHT BESTOWED promise of independence and gave them time to mourn their sacrifices. Camp was bustling with idle talk, and soldiers boasted of courageous acts. Phera stood alone in the shadows, searching for Azha. Countless nights she’d dreamt of the moment when Azha pleaded with her to bond. Young and foolishly stubborn, it was her fault he left. If she’d listened to him, they would’ve been together all this time. Never again would she make the same mistake.
There he was. She could see him in the light of the red moon walking across the courtyard with a group of soldiers. She waited for him to be alone, only to discover that hordes of idolizing soldiers surrounded Azha wherever he went. Frustrated, she gave up being discreet and said, “Azha, over here. Can we talk?”
And then, out of nowhere, Choan rudely cut right in front of her. “Azha, Roon and I want to go over some new training ideas with you.”
Miffed, Phera spoke up, “Azha, may I speak with you in private?”
“Yes,” Azha winked at Phera and gave Choan a nod. “I’ll meet you and Roon later. Phera, let’s get out of here to talk.”
Phera scowled at the gossiping groupies standing around them. Glaring back at them, she made sure no one followed.
“Would you like to stay with me at the copula tree pod tonight?” Phera asked.
“Yes,” Azha whispered making sure no one could hear.
Merging with a Human had significantly altered his sexual appetite. He often found himself thinking about bonding with no logical justification. Random gratifying acts of bonding often flashed in his mind during the day, regularly at night, and a couple of times while he was fighting Gystfins. None of this made any sense. Even more disturbing than that, he often thought about random perverted acts with Rodia. Afterwards he felt guilty and ashamed, yet liked the feeling. That is, until her death would resurface, giving rise to excruciating sorrow. Twisted sexual memories of his Human wife seemed to be the bizarre antidote for his dark depression. This behavior was not normal for a Quizan. Maybe Cole was a perverted deviant. Right now, he was having a tough time controlling his lust. Phera wanted him, her invitation was unmistakable. He’d put aside his guilt, bond tonight, and feel better tomorrow. Surely that brash thinking had to be Human.
Strolling hand in hand down the steep winding path to the cupola tree pod brought back many wonderful memories. As a quirky youth, Azha had a notorious reputation for being fearless and rebellious. He often challenged his parents and explored outside the sanctions of Kismet Ebb. Phera was his best friend and accomplice growing up. They believed that someday their families would accept their devotion to one another and allow them to Owari. But that day never came. The pre-arranged Owari ceremony between Azha and a female called Rodia was non-negotiable by both families. Azha retaliated by sneaking into Phera’s cupola pod the night before he was to leave Kismet Ebb in a last-ditch effort to sabotage the ceremony. All night long he pleaded with Phera to bond with him in silver energy. If they created a newborn quiey, the family from Cavern Village would ostracize Azha, ergo putting the kibosh on the bonding commitment. Azha’s flawless plan failed when Phera refused to bond. To defy tradition would be unforgiveable, causing dishonor to her parents and future generations. Her fear of harsh consequences was greater than her desire to be with Azha.
That morning Azha left her side and snuck back into his cupola pod where he awaited his future. No sooner had he left, when Phera regretted her decision and crept out, concealing herself behind a tree where she spied on the ceremony. A group of elders escorted Azha, and his manany and papay from their cupola pod to the center of the courtyard. She watched him desperately search the area until he spotted her. Staring at each other, she felt his humiliation and sadness; but what haunted her was the disappointment on his face.
Azha hugged his rejoicing parents good-bye and flew through the dense tree line at the edge of the sleepy village without looking back. Mortified, Phera flew to the ocean cupola pod wishing she had a second chance and wondered if Azha felt as lost and empty as she did. Many agonizing nights passed before she felt strong enough to face the village, her controlling parents, and her life without him. Over the years, she rejected with her sharp tongue, a variety of qualified suitors. Clearly, her choice was to be alone.
They had walked far enough into the forest that sounds from the celebration had faded away. Ahead was a clearing where they could see the moon’s reflection on the glistening ocean. This was a good place to talk.
“Do you know what happened to your parents?” Phera asked.
“I figured they were dead, or you would have told me where they were by now.”
“I’m sorry. Almost two years ago, thirty Quizans were captured solely for their grey-death energy. At first, we thought a few of them had escaped. Later we learned the Gystfins let them escape so they could hunt them. We thought the Gystfins were going to leave Kismet Ebb after that, but they stayed. Your papay and manany couldn’t stay underground any longer. When they surfaced, the Gystfins killed them. I heard it was quick and they ascended.”
So much guilt. Not once in fifty years did he try to visit his aging manany or papay. Foolish resentment towards his parents and his passion for Phera always justified his decision never to return. Allowing his admiration for her to rekindle would be disrespectful to Rodia. She was a good wife and deserved his undivided love.
Phera’s voice rattled his thoughts. “The cupola pod is not far from here.”
Walking next to her made him feel at home, but that was a farce. She was different, more direct and mature. He was nervous and overthinking everything. The night was young, and tomorrow’s challenges would come soon enough.
The cupola pod seemed so different from the last time he’d seen it. Thick, twisted branches had grown over most of it, making the pod appear to be part of a tree. Standing perfectly still, he listened to the familiar sounds of the night while gazing up at Palatu’s hypnotic twin moons. Colorful beams lit the forest and glittered across the wide leaves as they moved gracefully with the wind. Azha pulled Phera close. His body burned inside, wanting her more now than ever before.
“Phera, I’m afraid I’ll lose control if I don’t bond soon. As a Trekachaw I have not bonded. What if I hurt you?”
She giggled and sashayed away knowing her teasing was maddening. He watched her body fade into white energy and disappear through the doorway. Following her lead, he flew into the small, glowing room and floated seductively close without touching her. Phera’s white energy turned to silver and his into red. Azha bolted outside and flashed back into body form shocked and confused.
“What, what are you doing? You want to bond in silver and create a quiey?”
Phera flashed into body form. “Yes Azha, I want a quiey. I’ve never bonded.”
“I’m sorry Phera, you took me by surprise. I don’t know
if it’s even possible.”
“Azha, imagine the quiey we could create.”
Phera faded into silver as she circled Azha, rubbing her essence seductively up and down his leg while coaxing him into the Pod. Rodia never did that. He felt primal, erotic; at that moment, nothing else mattered. Azha flashed into energy and merged with Phera, creating one brilliant, silver light. Euphoria was theirs with no end and no beginning.
Ravished, Phera separated from Azha and then patiently waited for a spark of new life. Nothing; her beautiful silver light was fading, and the time had passed for any viable quiey to form. Exhausted, she morphed into body form and curled up on the floor. Azha lay down next to her. If others judged, screw them. Without Phera, his Human-half would die of loneliness. As he pulled her closer, she sighed and closed her eyes.
Azha tried not to move. There was something outside. He sat up slowly not to awaken Phera. Uncertain, he concentrated on adjusting his sleepy eyes to the darkness. Staring out into the abyss, he focused beyond the doorway of the cupola pod. The noise was probably nothing, most likely his mind playing tricks. The balmy night was soothing, and he could smell sweet fragrances of the forest. Listening to the gentle ocean washing onto the red sand relaxed his mind.
The Targus Sun peeked across the skyline into the pod. Dawn was ending his bliss, and time was running out to think of a good excuse to postpone the meeting. So be it… Azha kissed Phera’s cheek and whispered in her ear that he’d return before nightfall.
Phera lay awake for hours thinking about the night before. Bonding was nothing like she’d imagined all those years. On occasion, she would eavesdrop on a group of females who liked to gossip about each other’s bonding experiences. All the females agreed how the males were lazy when it came to bonding. It didn’t sound as if any of them were too pleased. So far, she didn’t find that to be the case with Azha. Shaking off the fog in her head, she stood up, stretched her arms, and walked to the sandy beach to soak up the Targus Sun.
UPON AZHA’S RETURN TO KISMET EBB, Roon and Choan had already assembled the Cavern Soldiers and Kismet Quizans inside the Odeum Pod. First thing on the agenda was the recruitment of new soldiers. Azha clapped his hands together to get everyone’s attention and then got right to the point.
“If you’re a single adult, line up on this side. Everyone else move to the other side.”
The crowd clumsily bumped into one another as they shuffled to their assigned sides of the pod.
“Everyone on this side will train with the soldiers. Everyone on that side, do what you can to help.”
Only a few protested the recruitment. Azha recognized them to be the same Leaders that had stormed into his cavern with Myosis. Though not surprised by their attitude, Azha questioned their opposition.
“Explain yourselves,” Azha ordered sharply.
A low grumble grew amongst the Quizans waiting to hear their answer. One Leader stepped forward, then paused to gain everyone’s undivided attention before raising his fists at Azha.
“Quizans do not kill. We should stand by our creed,” he yelled.
Out of patience and tired of their antagonism Azha thundered, “This has nothing to do with your beliefs. You’re a coward.”
Azha called out to Roon, “If they refuse to train, let them be the first to die the next time the Gystfins attack.”
Cheers rang out in support of Azha. “Let them die if they won’t fight.”
Ignoring the rival Leaders who were still screaming at the crowd to be quiet, Azha dispersed the chanting group outside into the center of the village.
“The soldiers need your help to build strong spears like the one I’m holding. Band with us and learn how we defeated our enemies,” shouted Azha.
The Kismet Ebb Quizans embraced Azha’s offer, thus abandoning their ancient rituals and stringent traditions. And so, it began, a new future for a once-doomed tribe. All they needed was the right leader. That leader was Azha.
Night was falling, and the tribe was drained. Squad selection and inspecting the supplies gathered had taken most of the first day. Azha met with Roon and Choan to confide in them where he would be if needed. Trying to keep the location a secret, Azha covered his mouth and spoke so softly that he was impossible to understand.
Roon blurted out, “What, with who, where?”
“Geez, be quiet. At the ocean pod with Phera,” whispered Azha.
Both snickered but assured him that they’d ‘keep his secret.’ Exasperated, Azha thanked them for their discretion and streaked toward the ocean before they could humor themselves with any additional remarks.
THE DAY WAS GROWING SHORT along with Phera’s patience. For entertainment she practiced morphing in and out of pure white energy, but it was getting late and she couldn’t help but worry. As the moons appeared on the horizon, Phera felt herself giving in to her fears. She was having second thoughts about staying at the pod any longer when she saw his light streaking towards her.
Once again, morning came far too soon for Azha. Even so, he needed something to distract him from Cole’s attitude. Lying awake, he sensed the Human’s reluctance at merging with Phera. For Azha, this was another marvelous gift inherited from the Human… the ability to bond often. Asking for forgiveness, Azha hoped that someday Cole would understand and accept that being a Trekachaw was inevitable and extraordinary.
eight
VIS-À-VIS RYQUAT
“GOOD & EVIL ARE DETERMINED BY OPINION”
Fundamental hierarchy inherited by Kings and Leaders was being replaced by a rebellious society. Azha was the catalyst, giving rise to the end of sacred traditions followed for millions of years.
AZHA devoted the upcoming days inside the cockpit of the shuttle learning how to operate the complex schematics, but his nights were promised to Phera. Now that he had a better understanding of the technology, it would be foolish not to hide it from the Gystfins. During his fly-by reconnaissance searching for their camps, he spotted a secluded cave near the Village. The more he thought about it, the more he liked it. That is, if he could find it again. Azha walked down the ramp, confident that he could hide the shuttle where no one could ever find it. He’d ask Roon to go with him for company. It seemed the little Quizan was always in good spirits and incredibly entertaining.
Azha found him talking to a group of soldiers about the art of ‘how to vine-wrap a spearhead.’
Amused, he watched Roon exaggerate the winding technique, acting as if it was very complicated. Choan, on the other hand, was sitting stone-faced, explaining how to distinguish a good frickin rock from a bad frickin rock. If nothing else, the soldiers were on the same page when discussing a throwing rock. One after the other, everyone stopped what they were doing to look up at Azha.
“Sorry to interrupt. Do you and Choan want to go with me to find a cave?” Azha asked.
Choan shook his head no. “Unless you need me?”
“Nope, Roon’s enough,” Azha said dryly happy that Choan didn’t want to go. More often than not, he was in a foul mood. Roon scrambled to his feet and ran in an awkward little dance towards the shuttle chirping, “Yes, yes, yes, I get to go with Azha.” He slid to a stop at the base of the shuttle and hollered, “Hurry up.”
Azha strolled up the ramp taking his sweet time alongside Roon, who was non-stop hopping his way to the top. Laughing to himself, Azha sat down snug in the pilot’s seat and engaged the navigation systems. The shuttle hummed and rose off the ground hovering above Kismet Ebb.
Looking over his shoulder Azha warned, “Sit down and don’t turn into energy my little friend. We wouldn’t want you to fall out of the ship again.”
Sharing yet another adventure, they flew above the forest to the mysterious cave near Cavern Village.
Finding the cave again was difficult. The easy part was landing the small craft on a mesa just outside the entrance. Excited, Azha disengaged the power in haste while Roon struggled to unlock the heavy door latch. Looking around, Azha was pleased to see that the sh
eer, volcanic cliffs concealed any presence or access to the cave. As they walked into its enormous mouth, a cold breeze brushed against their skin, sending chills up their spines. Inside, they took turns shouting, then listening to their voices echo off the towering rock walls. In awe, they gazed up at the spectacular maze of volcanic tubes that created a labyrinthine of beauty. They took a few moments to adjust their eyes. The polished rock floors seemed to be infinite with hidden secrets that disappeared into darkness beyond the light of the entrance. The cave was perfect.
“Roon stay here. Help guide the shuttle through the opening.”
Nodding his head up and down nervously, Roon was proud that Azha trusted him with such an important task.
Standing alone in the gigantic cave was scary. What if a Gystfin or Ryquat were lurking about? How long had it been since Azha left? Roon had counted the volcanic tubes at least twenty times trying to keep his mind from imagining the worst. Staring at the entrance, he thought about turning into energy. But he needed to stay strong for Azha. Roon heard a hum coming from somewhere, getting louder and louder all around him. It was the shuttle hovering above the entrance. He scurried out of the cave, feeling his stripes turning from red to green. Looking up, he could see Azha waving from the cockpit widow for him to help guide the shuttle past the entrance. Bouncing back into the cave, Roon watched Azha dock the craft in the shadows behind a crag. All was good. Roon and Azha left the cave confident the shuttle was safe.
Azha flew back to the village with a bad feeling in his gut. He wished he could shake it off, but the feeling only got worse. The Gystfins had not returned to claim their shuttle, making Azha wonder why. Come to think of it, not one Gystfin had been spotted since the attack on Kismet Ebb.
WHETHER OR NOT THEY WANTED to admit it, everyone was a bit sad training was over. The Cavern and Kismet Ebb soldiers had become close comrades. Graduation was being held that evening in the Great Cupola Pod to honor the new soldiers and those in command. Upon Azha’s arrival, all knelt to the floor and no one spoke until the great Trekachaw asked them to rise. Liberty had been a long time coming, but now it was official. Towering above them all, Azha watched the gentle Quizans dance into the night, knowing their celebration would be short-lived. The Gystfins’ reign of terror was far from over.