Discovery at Nerwolix

by C. G. Coppola

  My heart is racing, trying to catch up with the sudden change. I’m not falling anymore…but here, on the branch with Booker, in the middle of the Vermix army. He looks around me, checking my hands for weapons. Any Traxpires? Nope. Dropped it again when I fell. But I check my side pocket and yes! I still have the blade Walker gave me. And my Brulily in the other one. It’s not a lot, but it’s something. And it’s sure as hell better than nothing.

  I scan him too. He only has his Brulily left. There’s not a lot we can do with this.

  Besides the Yulus still swaying from where the Vermix passed by, everything else is quiet. Motionless. Leaning my back against the trunk, I let out a deep breath. My heart is still pumping hard, thundering through my chest, anticipating the impact of death. I close my eyes, trying to regain the calm I had in the tree earlier. That was only a little while ago, but it feels like everything has shifted. I’ve already thought I was going to fall to my death twice and thanks to Booker, I’m alive for the second time.

  I open my eyes and find him watching me.

  “Thanks,” I mouth.

  Booker nods.

  I gulp, glancing around before inspecting myself. Reid’s Callix is still fastened securely around my wrist but parts of it are crumpled and worn from dirt and pressure. I shouldn’t be concerned with it—especially now—but I’m still glad it’s survived all this. I stroke a few of the petals, seeking solace as I scan the rest of my body. Besides a little dirt and exhaustion, I’m fine. But then I notice my neck is throbbing from where the Vermix gripped it earlier. I bring my fingers to the stinging and pull back. A small trace of blood dots my fingertips.

  “What happened?” Booker whispers.

  “Vermix got a hold of me,” I look at the blood on my fingers again, then at him. “Is it bad?”

  He leans in, gently touching my skin as he inspects it. Finally he withdraws, shaking his head.

  “You?” I scan him. “Are you okay?”

  He nods, looking off to the Yulus.

  We sit in silence for a few minutes and I wrap my arms around my legs, hugging them close to my chest. I close my eyes again, pressing them against my knees. We really need to figure out what to do next. We’re sitting in the middle of enemy territory without any weapons and with no idea where the others are. Hopefully they made it back to Zinnollo.

  “Fallon,” Booker whispers and I look up. A Yulu rustles behind him. He glances over his shoulder and it stops. Once satisfied, he turns back to me, his voice low, nearly inaudible. “Know where the others are?”

  I shake my head.

  His face falls and I gently tug on one of the Callix petals. “I only saw Walker and Able,” I whisper. “They were heading back to the city.”

  “I saw Boss take off with Pratt,” he nods. “Lost the rest.”

  That’s what Walker told me. So at this point, it’s only Jace and Werzo that we don’t know what happened to. Mae stayed back at Zinnollo with Sampson and the others. It was decided she would be safer there and right now, I’m glad she did. I couldn’t imagine her out here, possibly on her own. Perry also stayed back. It’s not like volunteered to come, but even if she had, I doubt Sampson would’ve let her.

  “Do you think—”

  The Yulus rustle behind me.

  A snarling sounds, followed by another voice. The two exchange words in their language which suddenly doesn’t sound so foreign. Oh, right. I should know this… shouldn’t I? Booker and I remain motionless on this branch, camouflaged by the low-hanging Yulus and I take this second to really concentrate. Maybe I can figure out what they’re saying. Maybe something will trigger meaning. Closing my eyes, I focus on their voices.

  It’s all blurry at first, just nonsensical noise until slowly, piece by piece, it comes together.

  …heard something…close by…

  My eyes shoot open. Is this real? I can understand them? I close my eyes again, listening.

  …up in the trees now… no more are left…

  …I heard something…

  …you are imagining it…

  The Vermix pass behind the lime green bells, my heart pounding fiercely in my chest. Booker watches the Dofinikes move, still keeping his finger over his lips. I nod, trying to listen as they pass.

  …Supreme will want them all dead… especially the humans…

  …one was caught…he will be given to the Supreme as a gift once he arrives…

  Shit. Who was it?

  The Vermix leave and I look at Booker. He still doesn’t know. How do I tell him without speaking? But we have to get off this branch eventually. I’ll tell him then. When we’re away from the Vermix, I can tell him what I’ve heard. Another small group of Dofinikes pass, this time on the opposite side of the tree. Closing my eyes, I concentrate and listen.

  …will he be sending in the next wave? This forest is cleared out…

  …not entirely. We are still chasing a few. The others went back for the city but the Supreme does not want us going in just yet…

  …what is he waiting for?

  …he wants to draw the Zingfinolds down here… wants to separate them as much as possible. He will then strike Zinnollo when it is exposed and weak. And by then, there will not be any resistance in searching the Hylas.

  …once the Zingfinolds arrive, he will send in another wave?

  …yes…but until then… it is only us…

  Okay, so we have some time. Not a lot. Not nearly enough, but right now, there shouldn’t be any more Vermix advancing into the forest. They’ll all remain on the beach until the Zingfinolds arrive… which should be any minute. Now’s our chance.

  I look at Booker and motion to the ground. He shakes his head quickly, pointing to the branch, indicating we stay put. I shake my head and point again. It’s time to go. Now. Before the rest of the Vermix start in. He starts to point to the branch but I look around, trying to find the best way down. It’s a long drop. And if I don’t land it right, I could sprain something or make too much noise, drawing the Vermix’s attention. But we have to go now.

  Tucking the blade in my pocket, I move to the end of the branch and Booker watches, worry marring his face. Sitting on the edge, I grip the branch and lower myself down, my feet dangling over the ground. I let go and by some miracle, land perfect and silent. Booker follows, tucking his Brulily away as he swings off the branch and lands next to me with a thud.

  …I heard something. I am not imagining it…

  I duck low, indicating Booker to do the same and suddenly, we’re on all fours, crawling our way past another group of Vermix. I’m not sure where we’re going or how we’ll be able to get through the Dofinikes but sitting in the branch wasn’t going to do us any good. We need to either get back to the city or join up with the Zingfinolds, who should be appearing some time soon.

  Seriously, where are they?

  I stop and Booker stops too. The Vermix are moving on the other side of the Yulus’ shield. Pressing my back against a trunk, I wait, my heart pounding against my chest. I grip my little blade.

  …you three stay here. I will check it out…

  I turn to Booker but he already has his Brulily to his lips, aimed and ready. As I turn back, my breath hitches. The Vermix has walked straight through the lime green shield and is looking down at us in shocked bewilderment. His mouth opens but he says nothing. Does nothing. It’s not until I realize the tiny dart in his neck that I understand.

  He starts to fall forward but Booker jumps up, catching him before he hits the ground. Silently, he places the Vermix down and retrieves the Traxpire on his hip. Then, almost as an afterthought, he hands me the Vermix’s other weapon—the whip. This thing has terrified me since it chewed a long canal down my forearm a month and a half ago. The wound healed, but there’s still a nasty scar in its place, reminding me of the burning I felt when my skin was ripped open by a flying knife. Gripping the handle, I’m not sure what to do with it, so I tuck it in my pocket alongside the Brulily, watching as Booker examines t
he Vermix for anything else useful.

  …he said he would check it out. Be patient…

  “Booker,” I whisper and his eyes fly to mine. I indicate three more Vermix are just behind the shield of leaves and he looks back, as if trying to see them. I can tell he wants to use the Traxpire, but it won’t do us any good. Not yet. We need to take them down or leave. Even with our new array of weapons, it may not help us against a small herd of Dofinikes.

  …fine, yes. I will go check…Verso, are you back here?

  “One more,” I mouth, indicating another Vermix is about to come through the shield. With a quick swap he hands me the Brulily and snags the small blade. Bringing the small wooden device to my mouth, I wait until the green snout appears. Once it does, I aim for the green patch between his eyes and blow. The dart hits him where I want it to and like the other, he falls forward. Booker catches him but this time, brings the blade straight into his chest. The Vermix twitches, his eyes rolling up and the Rogue places him down on the ground, next to the other.

  Crawling over, I retrieve this Vermix’s Traxpire and bring it to my side. Okay, at least we’re a little better off with weapons. And now, there are only two on the other side, not four. If they keep coming back one by one, maybe we could—

  The last two Vermix rush forward, Traxpires drawn. They eye their two dead companions on the ground first, confusion stunning them motionless. Booker takes the opportunity to stab one in the neck while I shoot another dart, hitting the other in his neck. Both start to fall forward like the first two but Booker is only able to stop one. The one I hit falls to the ground with an audible thud and for a second, I’m terrified more are on their way.

  After retrieving the two new Traxpires, Booker hooks them to himself while carrying the one in his right hand and the blade in his other. I have both Brulilies in one pocket, the whip in my other and I’m carrying a Traxpire in both hands. I’m not sure where to go right now, but it needs to be away from here because that thud was loud and soon, more Vermix will come looking for its source.

  “Where?” Booker mouths to me.

  I gesture up ahead, to the trunk of an enormous tree shielded by several low hanging Yulus. It has enough branches to use for a quick escape if we need to fly up in an instant, but mostly, I’m selecting it for its hefty camouflage.

  We jet over as silently as possible and helping each other, we climb up to the first branch. I take a moment, closing my eyes to listen for any nearby Vermix. But it’s quiet right now.

  “We’re good,” I whisper, turning to him. “Booker, I can understand them. They said they captured one of the humans.”

  “Who?”

  I shrug and after a moment, realize something that could help us greatly. Placing a finger up to request a moment, I close my eyes and focus on Sampson. I can do this. I did it before and I can do it now.

  Sampson—can you hear me?

  A moment passes.

  Fallon? Sampson’s worried voice fills my head. Thank goodness you’re alright. Where are you?

  With Booker. We’re still by the beach. Are the Zingfinolds coming?

  Yes, they should be there any minute. Are you safe?

  For now. Did everyone else make it back?

  Everyone except you, Booker and Jace.

  I inhale. It’s Jace. They’ve got Jace.

  Listen, Sampson, I can understand the Vermix. I don’t know how, but I can hear what they’re saying… or thinking. Something.

  Yes… I thought you might be able to. You’re picking up on their thoughts, their communications to one another. It’s because you’ve been exposed what you are, and now that you know your true nature, your channels for receiving messages are much stronger.

  Can they hear me?

  Doubtful. Most only tune in when they are searching for a certain frequency, and since they’re ignorant to you and your abilities, it is unlikely they will pick up on any of your channels. But as a precaution, I would be careful with your thoughts around them.

  Okay.

  What did you overhear?

  They said they’re going to unleash a second wave once the Zingfinolds get here. They’re not advancing anymore because they want to draw them out of the city so they can strike it when it’s exposed and weak.

  I’ll notify Hozfin. Have you heard them say anything else?

  They’re going to send some to the Hylas Mountains. I look to Booker, drowning in his confusion as he watches my internal conversation with Sampson. I know he’s going to want us to try to get back to the city but Booker doesn’t know about Jace yet. Listen, they’ve got Jace. I heard them say they captured one of the humans.

  A long pause.

  Oh, dear. This isn’t good. Fallon, wait a moment...

  Another long moment goes by and I think Sampson’s ended the conversation. I turn to Booker who looks like he wants to ask a million questions but I sum it up for him before he can speak.

  “I’m talking with Sampson,” I whisper. “I’m telling him everything I’ve overheard.”

  “He wants us to stay put?”

  “Probably wants us to head back to the city.”

  “Then we should go.”

  “Booker…” I take a breath, “the Vermix have Jace. I overheard them.”

  “Shit,” he hangs his head.

  Fallon, Sampson’s voice rings in. Reid is requesting you stay hidden with Booker for now. I agree. The Zingfinolds should be there any moment and once they arrive, take the opportunity to head back here.

  He’s planning on ambushing the city.

  Hozfin didn’t send as many men as Reuzkimpart thinks he did. It will be safer for you both here.

  What about Jace?

  A long moment.

  We’ll get him.

  Sampson…

  Fallon, please just wait for the Zingfinolds. Once they arrive, take the opportunity to flee. Please.

  Okay.

  “What did he say?” Booker whispers.

  With a quick, quiet breath, I explain the conversation, reemphasizing that Jace is here somewhere, captured.

  “But Boss wants us back at the city?”

  “When the Zingfinolds arrive, but Booker,” I inhale, “we can’t leave Jace. They are going to kill him.”

  “I know,” he huffs with a quick glance around. “Think we can spot him from up high in the trees?”

  I crane my neck. “It’s worth a try.”

  “Well come on, Boss Lady,” he jams the narrow end of one Traxpire in his pocket and hands me the two others. He wraps his hand around my waist as I clutch the weapons close. “Let’s take a look.”

  We jet up through the thick shield of Yulus and I’m afraid the sound will cause attention. But once we reach a high branch and step off, it’s quiet. Like this part of the forest has been deserted or something; it’s completely swept clean. I wait another minute and when there’s still no movement, I turn to Booker behind me. “Think it’s safe?”

  He shrugs.

  Slowly inching forward, I gently peel back the lime green leaves and gasp.

  The entire beach is covered, littered with Traxpire-carrying Vermix that you can’t even see the sand. Walker was right. There must be thousands of them. And that’s after the first wave have already gone in. But are they still searching the forest? Or have they retreated back to the shore with the others? It’s hard to tell. Studying the ground, I search for any movement, any meandering Vermix still sweeping the area but all seems quiet. They must have returned to the beach, awaiting the Zingfinolds arrival.

  Are they ever coming?

  We’re on the left flank of the beach, over where Booker and Werzo started. I squint, trying to make out any bright blonde hair among the dark green and brown bodies. But it all looks the same. Just piled Vermix, like the army Sampson predicted Reuzkimpart would bring. And this is all to obtain the Floating Ruby?

  “There he is,” Booker points.

  I follow his finger to the yellow dot on the edge of the beach, just dow
n by the water. He’s completely surrounded, but not in the direct middle of the army. In fact, he’s very much off to one side, pushed to the very edge of the shore, nearly where trees meet the water.

  “Booker, we have to help him.”

  The Rogue chews on his bottom lip, looking around before tossing a glance over his shoulder back toward the city.

  “We have Traxpires and I can understand them… we can figure something out. I don’t know why the Zingfinolds aren’t here yet, but the longer we wait… his chances…”

  “I know,” Booker nods, still chewing on his bottom lip. He lets out a deep sigh. “Alright, let’s get a closer look.”

  Wrapping his arm around me, he grabs another leaf and swings us forward. Once we settle on that branch, we go again, swinging closer and closer to the far left side where Jace’s yellow hair penetrates the middle of all those dark green bodies. When we’re two or three trees away from the edge of the forest, Booker and I stop and scan the ground again.

  “Think it’s manageable?” I whisper.

  “What?”

  “Getting him out of there.”

  “How do you expect to pull that off?”

  “I don’t. I expect us to.”

  “You’re crazy, Boss Lady,” he shakes his head, running his hands up his face. “What’s your plan?”

  “I’ll create chaos to the right. A diversion. You,” I pull out the Brulilies and hand them to Booker, “can sweep in and take care of any that haven’t left him. If you need it, you have your own Traxpire and one for Jace.”

  “Sure you don’t want to wait for the Zingfinolds?”

  “Where are they? Everyone else already made it back to the city and I alerted Sampson of the Vermix arrival before Jace even fired his gun. I’m not waiting on them any longer.”