“That's a start,” said Abner. “You're talking to me. We've got to do something.”
“About the Nightwing?” asked Anthony. “What can we do, Abner?”
“Convince others to join us,” said Abner. “Together we can defeat them.”
“I couldn't help overhearing,” said Morgan. “Do you have a plan to destroy the Nightwing?”
“Not yet, Morgan,” said Anthony. “You can help us come up with a plan.”
“How do you know my name?” asked Morgan. “I've never even seen you before.”
“He knew my name too,” said Abner. “I've never seen him before either.”
“See what happens when you interfere with nature,” thought Destiny.
“Hey, Abner started it,” thought Anthony. “I just wanted to help?”
“We've seen you before,” said Destiny. “We've overheard your mates call you by name.”
“I'm Anthony,” said Anthony. “I think Abner is right. We're only fooling ourselves if we think we can live in isolation and still be safe from the Nightwing.”
“Look at this,” said Destiny. “One of them tried to enter our house last night.”
“Look,” shouted Morgan. “Here's proof that the Nightwing exist. It's not just a legend.”
As others gathered around to look at the feather, they gasped in awe. “No one has ever seen a Nightwing and lived to tell about it,” said one of the crowd. “Now we have evidence.”
“You just never listened,” said Mildred. “I've seen them and so has Abner.”
“I didn't actually see them,” said Abner. “It was dark. But I heard them and barely escaped with my life.”
“We need volunteers for a neighborhood watch,” said Anthony.
“A what?” asked LeJohn. “What's a neighborhood watch?”
“The volunteers take turns keeping watch at night,” said Anthony. “If the Nightwing come, the volunteer sets off an alarm and we all join forces to fight them off.”
“Fighting in the dark doesn't sound like a good idea,” said Morgan. “We can't see as well as they can.”
“The only other choice is to search out their hiding places during the day and destroy them while they sleep,” said Anthony. “Do we have any volunteers for that?”
“I can show the females in the group how to better protect their homes,” said Destiny. “Who wants to join the Home Protection Group?”
....................
As Anthony arrived home, the door wouldn't open. He knocked on the door and Destiny opened it. “How did your day go?” she asked. “Did you find any Nightwing?”
“No,” said Anthony. “And if we don't find them soon, we may be in for other problems.”
“Like what?” asked Destiny.
“Single females,” said Anthony. “When they see us without our mates, they assume we are available. Some of the guys were really tempted.”
“That could be a real problem,” said Destiny. “Maybe you should start taking the wives along.”
“I see you put a latch on our door,” said Anthony. “Did you teach many others to do the same?”
“Quite a few showed up,” said Destiny. “Our little house was pretty crowded so they didn't stay long after the class. I hope they weren't attacked by bachelors on their way home.”
“You're right,” said Anthony. “The wives have to come along.”
“I made us a couple of spears,” said Destiny. “This one is yours.”
“Thanks,” said Anthony. “I picked you some flowers.”
“That's lovely,” said Destiny. “But what am I going to do with these? We don't have any vases to put them in.”
“Maybe you could stick them back in the ground,” said Anthony.
“I should stick them back in the ground?” asked Destiny. “You don't want to know where I'm thinking of sticking them.”
“Maybe I could stick them back in the ground,” said Anthony.
“What a wonderful idea,” said Destiny. “And I do appreciate the thought.”
....................
The Avengers, as they came to be known, never found the Nightwings hiding places. As time went on they drifted apart and went back to their old ways of living in isolation. Anthony and Destiny retained a couple of friends and together they enjoyed a simple world of happiness and bliss. With the locked doors, the Nightwings were no longer a threat.
....................
“My claws have stopped growing,” said Anthony. “And I think I'm molting.”
“What did you expect, old man,” asked Destiny. “The end is drawing near. Soon we'll have to leave this world.”
“I'm really going to miss it,” said Anthony. “Maybe I can't fly as far as I used to, but I enjoy it as much as I did the first time.”
“We need to leave by the end of the week,” said Destiny. “Enjoy it while you can.”
“Tomorrow let's fly back to that little spot by the sea,” said Anthony. “Some of my favorite memories are there.”
“Get plenty of rest,” said Destiny. “It's a long trip. See you in the morning.”
....................
“Anthony, are you awake?” asked Destiny. “I can't get up. Something is wrong.”
“I'm awake,” said Anthony. “What in the world is going on? You've got hair all over your body.”
“I can't see you,” said Destiny. “I can't turn over.”
“I can't move either,” said Anthony. “Are we dying? Get us out of here.”
“I can't reach the amulet,” said Destiny. “Try harder. We've got to get loose.”
“It's no use,” said Anthony. “I can't budge. I'm so sleepy.”
“Don't fall asleep,” said Destiny. “We have to find a way out of this.”
....................
“Destiny,” said Anthony. “You're young again. Where are your wings?”
“You're young again too,” said Destiny. “You don't have wings. We don't have those retractable claws either.”
“I think we're walkers,” said Anthony. “What are those? Cocoons?”
“I think you're right,” said Destiny. “We've gone through a metamorphosis.”
“My memories of our life here are becoming vague,” said Anthony.
“Quick, bury them in your subconscious with our old memories,” said Destiny. “Once they are stored we will only remember them in our dreams until we leave this world. When this happens to others here, they probably lose their memories.”
“We need to get to the city by sunrise,” said Anthony. “It's dangerous for walkers to be out here.”
“How do we get down?” asked Destiny.
“Help me weave these strands from the cocoon into a rope,” said Anthony. “Hurry, it's getting close to sunrise.”
....................
“Welcome, newcomers,” said the guard as he opened the gate. “Come on in. You're late. The others are in the orientation center already. Two blocks north and one block east. You can't miss it. Hurry, the sun will be up in no time.”
“This must be the place,” said Anthony. “Shall we go in?”
“After you,” said Destiny.
“Welcome, friends,” said the group of newcomers. “Have a seat. They're about to begin.”
“Where did we come from?” asked Anthony. “Does anyone remember?”
“Maybe they can tell us,” said one of the newcomers. “I think they were all newcomers at one time.”
“If you will direct your attention to the podium, we will start your orientation,” said the man upon the stage. “This is vital knowledge that you will need if you are to become valuable members of our society. Please hold your questions for later.”
“We are called the Minolta, the night walkers. We live by night and sleep during the day. Our eyes are well suited to the darkness but direct sunlight will blind us. Never go out during the daylight hours.”
“Can't we wear eye protection?” asked Destiny.
“I
'm sorry. Please wait until I've finished. There is a legend that tells of a creature that roams the earth during the transition hours between dark and light. It is a monstrous creature that will devour our kind if it encounters us. You should always be back in the city at least an hour before sunrise and remain here until an hour after sunset. If you're discovered missing during those hours, you will be banished from the city.”
“You said it was a legend,” said Anthony. “Is there any real evidence of its existence?”
“Have you not been paying attention?” asked the instructor. “No questions until I am done. Speaking of legends, that brings up our next item. As newcomers, you must go through a little initiation process. Tomorrow night you are to go into the forests where the Wenosi live. You will climb their trees and each of you will leave a black feather outside a treehouse door. Any questions?”
....................
As the sun was rising, two swimmers were walking along a beach, enjoying the peace and quiet of the transition hours between light and dark. “Where were we supposed to put these whale bones?” asked Gretel.
“Near the city,” said Harry. “We'd better hurry.”
THE PORTAL of FOREVER IV
“I think we've chosen a wonderful world,” said Anthony.
“I wonder why intelligent life hasn't evolved here,” said Destiny. “All of the building blocks are present.”
“You're as lovely as ever,” said Anthony. “I didn't think you could top your last creation.”
“And you make a handsome knight,” said Destiny. “You're taller this time.”
“We have this whole beautiful world all to ourselves,” said Anthony. “What could be better?”
“Some of the creatures here may have something to say about that,” said Destiny. “We should be careful until we learn more about this world.”
“But we can use all of our powers here,” said Anthony, “without fear of not fitting in.”
“Our powers are limited in this form,” said Destiny, “and you haven't fully learned to control yours.”
“I'll learn as we go,” said Anthony. “You've always been a wonderful teacher.”
“Well, I can't say that you've been the perfect pupil,” said Destiny. “Always daydreaming that you are some place and someone that you're not.”
“But this is the kind of place I dreamed about,” said Anthony. “No more daydreaming, I promise.”
“It must be night here. The fireflies are almost as plentiful as the stars,” said Destiny. “We'll have to wait until tomorrow to explore this world. It's much too dark now.”
“Aren't the stars beautiful?” asked Anthony. “Take my arm and walk with me under the stars.”
“How gallant of you, Sir Anthony,” said Destiny, “I feel so safe holding your hand.”
“As you should, My Lady,” said Anthony. “My sword will drive fear into the hearts of the beasts.”
“Do they know that?” asked Destiny. “I wouldn't want there to be any misunderstanding?”
“I will teach them,” said Anthony. “Come, let's walk.”
“Enough of this fantasizing,” said Destiny. “It may be very dangerous.”
“I realize that,” said Anthony. “But I've always dreamed of living in the days of chivalry with King Arthur and the knights. Can't we pretend for a while?”
“Very well,” said Destiny. “It's your fantasy and your neck.”
“Then come, My Lady,” said Anthony. “Our new world awaits.”
“Watch thy step, Sir Knight,” said Destiny. ''It's deeper than you think. Do you need a hand?”
“I've got it,” said Anthony as he wiped the water from his face. “Does My Lady require assistance?”
“Assist me, Sir Knight,” said Destiny. “For I am but a poor damsel in distress.”
As they reached the shore, the night breeze chilled them both to the bone. The sounds of animals echoed in the distance as the rustle of leaves whispered in the breeze. “Shall I build a fire, My Lady?” asked Anthony. “Until the sun rises to warm us?”
“Warm me within your arms,” said Destiny. “We will dry soon and continue our walk.”
“My pleasure,” said Anthony. “We'll need to find a safe shelter to spend the night.”
....................
“This cave will suit our needs,” said Destiny. “If it's not already occupied.”
“Let me toss in a stone and see if it arouses a beast,” said Anthony.
“I hear only silence,” said Destiny. “Shall we enter?”
“We'll need a torch,” said Anthony, “It's awfully dark in there.”
“Let me see your sword,” said Destiny. “Now the blade will glow in the dark until I remove the magic. Be careful not to touch the blade. It's extremely hot.”
“You excited the molecules in the steel,” said Anthony. “I could have done that.”
“Let's go,” said Destiny. “Lead the way. It's your sword.”
“This cave's bigger than I thought,” said Anthony. “There are tunnels going off in all directions.”
“Pick one,” said Destiny. “If a beast comes out of one of those tunnels, we don't want to be sleeping in its path.”
“This tunnel is rather small,” said Anthony. “A large beast couldn't have gone through there.”
“I'm not sure we can get through either,” said Destiny. “We'll have to crawl.”
“Just a little ways,” said Anthony. “Then it opens up into a larger chamber.”
“Okay. After you,” said Destiny. “Watch your head.”
“You could have dried our clothes as easily as you heated the sword,” said Anthony.
“It must have slipped my mind,” said Destiny. “Besides, we're dry now.”
“But we had to cuddle for almost an hour,” said Anthony.
“What's your point?” asked Destiny with a dismayed look on her face.
“Uh … nothing,” said Anthony. “Do you want to cuddle some more?”
“Good answer,” said Destiny. “But we need to get some rest before the sun rises.”
....................
“It's still dark,” said Destiny. “I'm sure we slept at least eight hours, and we were up for at least four hours before we went to sleep.”
“Look at those stars,” said Anthony. “They've hardly moved. At the rate the planet is rotating, a day here is equivalent to a month on Earth. We built these bodies for a 24 hour cycle.”
“That could be a problem,” said Destiny. “How could we make such a simple mistake!”
“Well, we'll just have to make the best of it,” said Anthony. “It would waste too much energy to create new bodies.”
“The temperature is up a few degrees, “ said Destiny. “I have a feeling sunrise is near.”
“That's good,” said Anthony. “You'd better change my sword back to normal. We stand out like a one legged man in a butt kicking contest.”
“You can do it,” said Destiny. “You need the practice.”
“That's better,” said Anthony. “Should we stay near the cave? It took us a while to find this one.”
“Where's your sense of adventure?” said Destiny. “Let's explore.”
“The animal noises aren't as loud in this direction,” said Anthony. “Shall we go?”
“Sure,” said Destiny. “We can be adventurous after the sun comes up. You're always thinking of my safety. That's so sweet.”
“You can't read my mind,” said Anthony. “That's a shame. It's a good thing we know each other so well.”
“It sure is,” said Destiny. “Do you want me to lead?”
“If you prefer,” said Anthony. “I can't see very well in the dark.”
“Stay alert,” said Destiny. “Something may try to sneak up from behind.”
“My thoughts exactly,” said Anthony. “You know, we could walk side by side. I'd love to hold your hand while we walk.”
“Stop worrying about me,” said Destiny. “I'll be
fine.”
“I hope those are vegetarians,” thought Anthony. “They don't sound like vegetarians.”
“I think we're being followed,” said Destiny. “I have a feeling there are at least a dozen of them.”
“What feeling?” asked Anthony. “Am I supposed to have that ability, cause it would sure come in handy.”
“It's something you have to develop,” said Destiny. “I can't teach it to you.”
“What do your feelings tell you now?” asked Anthony. “Would this be a good time to hide? Maybe we could ambush them.”
“Maybe we should just avoid them,” said Destiny. “Let's hide over there behind those rocks. That should put us downwind.”
“If you say so,” said Anthony. “You can't argue with feelings.”
....................
“I think they're gone,” said Destiny. “Shall we continue?”
“It's a good thing,” said Anthony. “I really didn't want to have to kill them all.”
“Especially on our first day here,” said Destiny.
Destiny knew that Anthony was no killer. Oh, he would hold his own in a battle if it came to it. She had trained him well. She also knew it wasn't a battle that he feared. It was the taking of a life, any life, that he wished to avoid. His compassion for others was starting to rub off on her. In her home world, dueling to the death was a favorite pastime. But death was only temporary where she came from. No one stayed dead unless they were beheaded, and no one would dare perform such a dastardly deed. It meant life in prison, forever, until the end of time. She too had never taken the life of another species. Unlike on her world, nothing was gained here by such an action. Self-defense was the only acceptable reason for such action, and only if other methods such as hiding did not succeed. Hiding was the honorable thing to do. Cowardice was not in their makeup.
SCIENCE FICTION SHORT STORIES VOLUME IX Page 10