“How’s Chugga-chugga?” James’ voice was cracked, barely audible.
Crystaline stopped chewing her food, her forlorn expression back in its full element.
“He’s sleeping.”
“Did you manage to heal him?”
Crystaline nodded, her eyes not leaving James’.
Feeling a little uncomfortable quiver reverberating through his body, James broke eye contact with Crystaline, focusing attentively on the purple flame in front of him. He was surprised to hear Crystaline’s voice sounding out once again.
“Do you miss your friends?”
James looked back up at the Urashan princess.
“Yeah, yeah I do. I miss Lottie a heck of a lot.”
“Lottie? The young woman?”
“Yeah, that’s her. Long wavy hair, glasses, that’s Lottie.”
“Are the two of you...together?”
James shook his head, feeling relieved by his ability to now feel amusement.
“No, we’re not together. Not if you mean like that? Lottie’s my best friend, we’ve been best friends ever since we were children.”
Crystaline’s eyebrows crinkled with disinterest, creating an abrupt pause in the conversation. James felt his heart rate increasing, growing more and more emboldened. Maybe Crystaline needed to understand the importance of friendship, of getting troubles out in the open?
“I remember that day, you know. That day when Lottie first joined my school. I was a rebel back then, derailed by life itself.” James felt that lump beginning to work its way back up his throat. He gave a little grunt, endeavouring to clear that wretched little lump away. “My er, my father died when I was just a boy.”
As soon as James mentioned his father’s death, Crystaline’s eyes had shot down to the ground, her breathing rapidly speeding.
The young space warrior continued, pretending not to be aware of Crystaline’s growing discomfort. She had to hear this.
“Lottie’s parents died, too. She lost both of them in a car accident. She’s not from my country, but she had relatives who lived in my town, so she went to stay with them, joining my school as a timid little loner.
At first I had no idea, you know. I was just caught up in my own bubble of terror, not caring about the new girl who’d joined my class. That was until I heard that conversation, one between her and a teacher. The teacher was telling Lottie that it would all be okay. That her door would always be open should Lottie ever need to discuss her parent’s death. From that moment Lottie had me - hook, line and sinker. I knew then that I’d do anything to protect this girl, to rid her of her pain, a pain which I was suffering through, too.” James grinned a boyish grin. “I guess you could say that I was pretty lucky that Lottie didn’t think I was a total twat. She wanted my friendship, too, and so, we grew up together, helping each other through the trials of life.
I still remember that feeling, the one when I first decided to be friends with Lottie. I remember that overwhelming impulse to protect her. I’ve tried with all my might to look after Lottie all these years, but you know what I’ve actually realised? Lottie was the one who’s protected me all these years. If it wasn’t for her, having her to talk to, I don’t know where I’d be, or who I’d be. Do you have anyone, Crystaline? You know, someone to talk to?”
Crystaline’s breath hitched, and her eyes sharpened as they tore into James’.
“What do you mean?” She whispered, her face impassive, but her eyes scrutinising every inch of James’ expression. “What makes you think that I need someone to talk to?”
“Everyone needs someone.” James whispered in return, impassioned.
Crystaline slowly shook her head sideways, a grim smile unfurling from her lips. Her golden eyes were like daggers, ones which held unshed tears.
“Well I don’t need anyone. You see, James, life is a war, a series of many battles which you just have to get through because of your pathetic primal instincts to survive. You can make allies, certainly. You can hold them in your heart, but really, your allies become your worst enemies, betraying you, destroying you.”
James shook his head, perplexed.
“How? Not everyone is deceitful, Crystaline.”
“Aren’t they? Think about it. The ones you love are all lying there in your heart, completely dormant for now. They may even provide you with temporary strength. That won’t last forever though, James, mark my words, each and every one of those people will explode inside your heart, ripping you to shreds, obliterating every atom that makes you the person you are. You’ve just got to think back to how you felt when your father left you. Everyone you let in and outlive will end up doing the exact same thing to you. Life is a war, James, ironically a war between you and life itself.”
James was lost for words. He could only watch on, mouth gaped wide open as Crystaline made an abrupt beeline for her furleave. The young space warrior still did not feel like sleeping, but he had no choice. What good would it do to just sit out here awake? Brooding over gloomy thoughts? James fixed up his furleave, preparing himself for a long sleepless night.
***
When he awoke, James could feel that wretched little itching all over his naked arms. His mouth felt scratchy, foul tasting. Realising that he had furleave in his mouth, James’ senses returned to him. The young space warrior sat upright, startled by the noises of people all around him. Was everyone else up already? Had he been the last one to awaken? James was surprised that he’d even managed any sleep, especially after a night like last night.
As the young space warrior’s eyes flitted over his companions, they eventually paused on Crystaline. She was with the chugga, beaming at the creature with such a tenderness. James was glad that the little creature was okay. The thing looked bright, chirpy and fully recovered this morning. The chugga now had a bright green bandage on his front leg too. The princess also looked restored. A far cry from her depressed and desolate self last night.
As James continued to watch the princess, he was reminded of what Crystos had told him last night, and Crystaline’s sullen words. Life could indeed be a struggle, that was just part of the ride. But a war? Paralleling life directly with a war, that was a bit extreme, wasn’t it? Or was it? James thought again of what Crystos had told him, of Crystaline’s suffering all these years. The princess’ heart was lonely, lost in a storm of unrelenting darkness. Yet watching her with Chugga-chugga, it was like the princess’ heart had found something. A beacon of light? Of solace?
As he raised away from his furleave, James couldn’t prevent his lips from smiling. It was good to see Crystaline like this, smiling, genuinely happy.
“Chugga-chugga looks a lot better!” He beamed.
Crystaline’s face hardened.
“Yes, Chugga-chugga has healed nicely. He’s still sticking with us though.”
“I never thought he wouldn’t.” James proclaimed. Was it just him, or was Crystaline being all defensive? “I mean er, I expected him to stay with us. I wanna get to know the little fella. And besides, isn’t his leg still hurt? I mean what’s with the green bandage?”
“No, he’s fully healed,” Crystaline’s expression was still cold. “Chugga-chugga was just adamant he wore one for some reason.”
James peered down at the indulgent, soppy black eyes of the chugga, gently stroking the animal on its head. Chugga-chugga purred, enjoying James’ touch. When he looked back up at the princess, her eyes were cold, assessing.
“Everyone else had their wash?” James asked, trying to placate the princess. His actions were fruitless, gaining only a disdainful nod from her.
“I er, is it okay if I take a quick wash in the river as well?”
Crystaline frowned,
“You’ve held us up enough already.”
Just as James’ mouth was about to speak, he heard Crystos walking up behind him.
“Morning James.” The prince’s greeting was warm, friendly, riling the princess even further. “If James needs a wash, let him w
ash, Crystaline. It’s not like we need to be back by a certain time is it?”
The princess’ eyebrows furrowed, her eyes tearing into her brother’s.
James took this as his cue to head for the river, leaving brother and sister eye to eye.
Crystos continued.
“You should cut the boy some slack. Not all men are such vile creatures, Crystaline.” At that point, Crystos’ breath hitched, his eyes sorrowful as they continued to penetrate his sister’s.
Reading her brother’s sudden change of expression, Crystaline’s eyes changed, too, filling with agony, anguish, scrutiny.
“What?” She whispered, her eyes not leaving her brother’s.
Crystos shook his head, his eyes watering with pity, with guilt.
“Just don’t give the boy such a hard time, Crystaline. He’s not so quick to judge, like most others.”
Crystaline’s expression grew more pained, more perplexed.
Not wanting to reveal to his sister what he had disclosed to James, the prince left his sister’s side, forcing her to watch on after him, her feather’s completely and utterly ruffled.
***
Once James had finished washing himself in the river, the group had been quick to resume travel.
Now that he was used to the awkward terrain of the forest, James felt his feet deftly sweeping through the abundantly treed scene. He no longer felt his feet struggling against the forest. Instead they would practically dance over the blacky-purple floor.
Despite his body’s rapid ability to be able to adapt to the Urashan forest, James paid little attention to his dexterous movements. Instead the young space warrior focused all of his attentions and thoughts on the forest all around him, and the princess who was walking in front of him.
As usual, Crystaline was leading the group, remaining mostly silent as she worked her way through the forest, sticking once again to the river which ran through the entire scene.
As James continued to travel, he couldn’t help but notice how much lighter this forest was beginning to look. As the young space warrior peered up towards the patches of Urashan sky, he would occasionally catch the odd glimpse of the Urashan sun, just about managing to creep its way through the trees. The sun was no brighter today than it had been yesterday. So why was the forest brightening? Just as James pondered over this curiosity piquing thought, he heard a noise, a howl coming from the trees above him.
“What’s that?” He said, his words almost in slow motion.
Crystaline stilled, scanning the trees up above her.
“Moonkas...we need to keep moving.”
“I thought moonkas weren’t dangerous?” Phil protested.
“They’re not,” Crystaline answered back, her pace of movement quickening. “They’re boisterous though, and have been known to cause trouble. I don’t know about you, Phil, but I don’t want to be in the firing line of a moonka.”
Just as James felt his own legs quickening, he caught a glimpse of white in one of the nearby trees. Then, without warning, the puffy white creature jumped onto the next tree, alerting James’ attentions to three more moonkas. The animals were noisy, clearly communicating with one another. It was obvious that the creatures knew that their habitat was being trespassed upon. The noises they made reminded James of hyenas. The moonkas sounded like they were chuckling, concocting some mischievous little plan to cause trouble. James could definitely sense that the moonkas were up to no good, and as if confirming this, James saw something being hurtled his way. Whatever it was had thankfully missed James, only to hit Zach straight on the stomach instead. Winded by the blow, Zach fell to the ground, clutching his muscly abdomen.
“Zach, are you alright?” Phil helped his comrade back onto his feet, furrowing his brows at the bright red stain on Zach’s t-shirt.
“I’m fine, man, I’m fine. Those creatures sure have an arm on them though.”
“What hit you?”
Ignoring the cackles of Morcees and Borcees, Zach studied the mashed up piece of red goo on the floor beside him.
“Man, I don’t know. I think that’s fruit?”
“That was all.” Crystaline confirmed. “We really need to make a move on.” The princess’ deft feet changed direction, taking a sharp escape route into a patch of overly dense trees. James hated these dense areas. They were so tight, so claustrophobic.
The young space warrior was relieved when he stepped free from the clingy trees, into sparser forest once again. The moonkas, James could not see or hear them. Thankfully Crystaline must have managed to lose the troublesome creatures.
“Stupid animals!” Phil grunted. “I mean seriously, how much more of this do we have to take? We’re surrounded by who knows what, with that thing following us around.”
Feeling suddenly protective of Chugga-chugga, James stopped his steps, squaring up to his captain.
“Don’t be such a bully. What has Chugga-chugga ever done to harm us?”
“Well, he nearly got us killed by those wild dogs for one thing. Then those moonkas, maybe that animal even attracted those.”
James shook his head, his mouth icily smirking out his sheer and utter dislike for his captain.
“You’re unbelievable, you know that? I didn’t know what it was going to be like coming out here with you, I’ve gotta admit. I even thought that maybe, just maybe I’d see a different side to you, you know, one that I could actually put up with. But all I’ve seen is what I thought I would: a selfish man who likes to be in control. A man who cares about no one.”
“I care about no one? James, I care more than you’ll ever know. I love your mother. I care about her, I care about you.”
James scoffed, ignoring Zach’s and Crystaline’s attempts to placate the situation.
“Oh please, spare me the bullshit. Tell me this, did you care about my father? You know, your best friend? The husband of your girlfriend? My father?”
Phil’s heart hitched, as if suddenly stopping in midair before its tumultuous drop to the deathly ground.
James’ verbal onslaught continued,
“I mean really, it’s sick when you think about it. My dad...” James’ eyes began to well up, “my dad was your friend. He trusted you, and you backstabbed him with the ultimate betrayal.”
Phil felt suddenly angry. Yes James hated him. That was fine. But to accuse him of betraying Jonathan, no. This wasn’t what this was. Phil felt his tongue lacerating against his lips before he could restrain it.
“I betrayed your father? I betrayed my best friend? The man who was like a brother to me? Then tell me, James, if I betrayed Jonathan, then what does that make your mother? She’s no less of a traitor than I am.”
James felt every single muscle in his body tensing, summoning every single ounce of strength into one limb. Like a catapult, James’ fist flung straight into his captain’s face, sending the man falling back into a shocked Zach’s arms.
James turned, trudging his way through the forest in a desperate attempt to flee from the others.
Chapter 13
James did not care about the muffled yells which called out his name, desperate for him to rejoin his team. He could only hear Phil. The man’s voice only made the young space warrior want to flee even quicker.
The truth was, James had no idea where he was headed, he had no plan as such. In fact, the young space warrior hadn’t even thought this through at all. He just knew that he had to get away, from that man, that prick!
The foliage was thick, heavy and prickly. James ignored the many minuscule lacerations, which the plants inflicted upon his bare arms as he continued to battle his way through the forest.
The scene all around him, it was getting brighter now, almost like daylight. Recognising the source of light, James veered left, practically running towards a line of trees. Beyond this line, he could see, he could tell, no more trees lay beyond this line.
In a half leap, James freed himself from the heavy grip of the forest, stunned into immobilisatio
n by the scene which lay in front of him. Beyond him, there was no more forest, just grass; endless, short purple grass. The place looked serene, tranquil, completely and utterly dazzling as the blades of grass soaked up the warm rays of sunlight. James’ mouth gaped open, awestruck by the single lone tree. The thing appeared to glisten, as if it were a sacred beacon sent down from the skies.
Tentatively, James turned his head back, eyeing the trees directly behind him. The young space warrior’s eyes paused upon the unexpected furleave which hung off of two trees. He felt a little guilty. James loved this forest, it was the most beautiful place he had ever seen. Yet seeing this open land, seeing the sun in her full glory, it had filled James with such an elation.
Deciding that he didn’t want to stray too far from the forest, James sat on the furleave, gently gripping onto the vine which held it into place as he watched the calm peaceful grassland in front of him.
Phil was such an idiot. The fool had no right, no right to talk about his mum like that. Kim loved Jonathan, she had not betrayed him, no, definitely not. Besides, James thought to himself, Phil was supposed to love Kim, or so he had claimed anyway. Why would the man then go and make a comment like that? Why? James shook his head, feeling his insides trembling with exasperation. Phil deserved that punch. It was a shame the blow hadn’t knocked the man out cold.
James gripped on even tighter to the vine in his hand. His body hair bristled in response to a sound approaching him. Something was in the forest, behind him, next to him. James sighed, relieved. It was Chugga-chugga! The little blue animal had followed him all the way out here. James felt his heart thawing at just the sight of the baby blue creature. The thing’s eyes were big, bulging, soppy.
Gently, Chugga-chugga rested his smooth rubbery head on James’ knee, cocking his head around to face the young space warrior. James grinned, softly stroking his animal friend. The creature purred, lifting one of its front legs up to his hand. James took hold of the chugga’s limb, watching as the creature graoouuled with delight.
Diversion To Urasha (Space Era Book 1) Page 15