by Steven Webb
“Ha, dumbass.” Joseph didn’t even turn to make eye contact.
“Shut up.” He had to play it cool to keep suspicions down. “Welcome back guys.”
Zea took one look at Trent, “did you stay off your leg?”
“Yes mam. Just like you asked.”
“Good. you’re finally taking my advice.”
“Yeah he stayed off it, if you don’t count him going outside before you got here.”
“What the hell Joseph!”
“Hey I never said I wouldn’t tell Zea. I just said I didn’t care what you did. And I still don’t. Now if you’ll excuse me my turns done.”
“Okay, let me have it.” It was better to have Zea rip him a new one now rather than wait for her to prepare her insults.
NOVA
The whole day had been spent out looking for the other parts of the wreckage in hopes they could find more resources. The mountain provided an impressive view of the area around them but it was as if the ribbon forest had swallowed all the pieces thrown out from the crash site. It was disappointing to say the least. Nova just wanted to rest by the fire for the night. That was the plan at least, until they got back to the cave.
Joseph sold Trent out and now Zea was laying into him. Her fury was insatiable. This strong side of her was an amazing sight to behold.
When Nova first met Zea she was a shy little girl. It was a difficult hour to get through. At even the mention of her mom, any conversation would immediately shut down. Despite that her medical record was impeccable. According to the records Zea was able to graduate med school at twenty three. She was living in Seattle when a bomb went off downtown. In all of the chaos, Zea managed to save the lives of forty five people. Nova knew that pushing this part of the file would make up for the shy personality.
Now things were different. A confident woman stood before her, unflinching in her resolve. During the wreck Zea seemed to have found her voice. “Trent I swear If you pop your stitches I’m gonna break your ankle again just so I can reset it. I swear, you’re so stubborn.”
“If it makes you feel better.” Trent stopped to wince in pain. “I’m really regretting moving now.”
“Everything looks like it’s healing alright. Just don’t try that again.”
It was like watching a mom dealing with her child. For Nova this was the first time the roles had changed. Normally she had to be the one to scold and then comfort everyone.
“Zea mind if I talk to Trent for a minute?” Nova wanted to see how he was doing since the attack.
“Sure he’s all yours.”
“See you at our next torture session.” Trent repositioned himself. “So what’s up?”
“I just wanted to check in with you. You’ve been screaming a lot at night and I figured you might want to talk about it.”
“It’s nothing really.” Trent’s hand began scratching the top of his arm. One of his obvious tells when he lied.
“Does that explain why you freaked out when we were heading back to the cave?”
“I just didn’t want Zea to see me.” He kept scratching at his arm.
“So you’re not at all concerned that the beast that attacked you is going to come back? And what about the hallucinations from the pain? The one you had about the creatures that saved you and took you back to their home?” she watched his fidgeting cease upon hearing her question. He’s telling the truth? But that means that something out there has signs of complex behavior.
“Those were real. I can tell you how to get to them if you don’t believe me. You head out of the cave southeast until you get to a ribbon tree entangled with some strange green vine. Follow the blood trail from there. I’m pretty sure I left a decent one.”
“Okay I believe you about that part. We’re getting ready to head back out so I’ll make sure we check it out. But as for you not being affected by the attack, well, just let me know when you’re ready.”
“Will do doc.”
“Everyone be ready to head out in five.”
“Gotcha Rocco.” Nova tapped Trent’s shoulder. “We’ve all been through a lot. It’s okay to be scared.” She grabbed a quick nibble of Boulder fruit before heading out.
It took them some time to find the marker Trent described. The vine seemed to have bored holes through the tree. A trail of blood weaved its way through the forest and towards a large ravine filled with discarded plant bits, obscuring the floor. Beautifully colored rocks jutted out from the side walls. The group continued moving forward but Zea stopped along the edge just staring down.
Nova walked over beside her to take in the site. “We should probably keep moving. We’ll check it out later.”
“No I’m good.” Zea turned to walk away.
The next thing Nova knew Zea was falling. Her hand instinctively grabbed Zea’s arm and threw herself backwards away from the edge. Their two bodies collided on the ground. Where Zea had been standing was no longer a part of the ledge, but an empty void. The ground had fallen to join the debris scattered at the base of the ravine.
“Are you Okay?” Nova’s heart was pounding. She dreaded to imagine what would have happened had she not been there.
“Yeah.” Zea’s hazel eyes locked onto Nova. Her body still laying against Nova’s, she brushed her hair out of her face and behind her ear. “Thanks, I didn’t even realize what was happening. I thought I was done for.”
“Don’t mention it.” The two just laid there intertwined, completely lost in the moment. Zea’s warm body against Nova’s made her stomach start to knot up. Rather than settling down her heart sped up. The air around them was electric. It was as if time had frozen leaving them to revel in the moment.
Rocco’s appearance jostled Nova out of the all consuming trance. “You two alright? That was a nasty fall.”
“Um… Yeah… yeah. We’re fine.” Zea stood up and brushed her self off.
Rocco Offered his hand to Nova and pulled her back to her feet. “Thanks Rocco.”
Nova glimpsed over at Zea. She had never felt this way about another girl before. The only thing Nova wanted was to be close to Zea again. Her beautiful hair tucked behind those lovely little ears. Her cute gestures while she told Rocco about what happened. Nova was completely engrossed. As they walked, the only thing on Nova’s mind was that magical moment.
Taylor held up a strange twisted ring. “I think I found the fruit things Trent was talking about. He said it was pink right?”
Nova had been so distracted she had no recollection of the last half hour. All around her were arching brown plants. The pink fruits dangled in chains below the curves. They ran thick through the forest.
“There’s only one way to find out.” Joseph grabbed a hold of the fruit and took a large bite. Within seconds his speech lost all clarity, and instead sounded like a series of misconstrued grunts. Somehow it became a game. Everyone took turns trying to translate what he said.
“Guth theth aw awthome.”
“I’ve got this one. Gut thieves are a thumb.”
“No Taylor. It’s definitely gun things are our sum.”
“Wow Rocco nice one.” Nova gestured to Joseph for another.
“Wilwy?”
“No, sorry no one wants to see that,” Zea laughed.
“Wets jetht gwab a bunth of des.”
Nova decided to join in. “Wets jet grub a buns of D’s. Nope that one sucked. My bad guys. I’m just gonna keep picking these pain killers.” She ripped a few of the vines and slung them over her shoulder.
“Ayy wun know how lun dese lath?”
“Four hours. If it lasts any longer please seek medical help immediately.” Taylor was cracking himself up so much he had to stop picking fruit entirely.
The harvest went quick. Nova was done and just pacing back and forth until everyone was ready to head out. Nothing was really catching her attention. She turned to make another lap, when the sunlight glinted off something a little ways off. The others were busy still so she decided to go check i
t out. Getting closer, the light turned out to be a piece of foil, and next to it, a large hole had been burrowed into the ground. Footprints littered the area. Dried spots of blood led up to and away from the hole. “I think I found the place Trent was talking about. I’m not seeing any creatures though.” No one was close enough to hear her. She ran back to the group and led them to her find.
“Well I’ll be damned,” Rocco said, analyzing the prints in the dirt. “Looks like I owe Trent an apology. Whatever they are, it seems they moved on. Ok everyone, grab the fruit, we’re heading back.”
Nova picked up her harvest and followed Rocco back to the cave.
A new strange smell was filling the forest near the cave. It was completely intoxicating. Inside Addison was roasting a pair of the gel backed creatures over the fire.
Nova’s mouth was watering. “Those look delicious. Is it safe?”
“Seems so. Trent and I tried some earlier.”
“Outside’s a little tough but the inside’s amazing.” Trent’s mouth was brimming with chewed up meat.
No one seemed to object. Their stomachs were doing all the talking. Nova grabbed the flesh and tore in. She always tried to maintain some heir of decorum but this was her first time having real food since they crashed. It was so warm, and tender. Even the residue was good enough to lick off her fingers. The only sounds anyone was capable of uttering were moans of pure satisfaction. Being so full was bliss. The others drifted off to sleep one by one. Soon it was just Nova and Zea.
The two sat by the fire, watching the embers glow. The moment was one of pure beauty. Zea rested her head on Nova’s shoulder. “You know, the last few days have been so hectic. It’s nice to just be able to rest.”
“Agreed.” Nova ran her fingers through Zea’s soft hair, causing Zea’s body to instinctively press into hers. “I’ve really taken to these quiet moments.” Her hand made it ways through the hair and transitioned seamlessly to Zea’s arm. The sleeves were in the way, but the effect was still the same. Nova pictured what soft skin must lay beneath it. This seemed as though it could last forever.
“Why’d you stop. That felt amazing.” Zea’s hazel eyes looked up at Nova’s. The flames reflected in her gaze. “Just a little more.” She shifted her head down into Nova’s lap.
This was the most beautiful moment Nova had ever experienced. Her experiences with men never seemed this natural nor romantic. Her right hand remained on Zea’s Arm while the other hand made its way into the lovely locks. In return, Zea’s hand gently caressed Nova’s thigh. Her emotions became a mixture of excitement and nervous energy. Her body wanted more.
Zea rolled over onto her back, eyes closed. Nova’s hand naturally found its place, gracing the side of Zea’s face. All of her training said that this was wrong. A connection caused by the emotional vulnerability of the profession. That no longer was enough to even slow Nova down. She slid her hand from Zea’s arm onto her stomach, where she traced the portions of skin exposed in the tears. Thee body quivered under the light touch. The passion was undeniable. In a moment of pure passion, Nova leaned her head towards Zea’s. Eye’s closed, she felt their lips touch. The response was immediate. The kiss was filled with desire. Zea’s hand pulled her head in tight.
Nova’s hands began exploring Zea’s small body, finding their way between her thighs and around her firm breasts. Their tongues intertwined. As quickly as the moment started Zea pulled away and sat up.
“I’m so sorry. That was inappropriate of me.” Nova’s face grew warm with embarrassment.
“Why? That was amazing. It’s just… I… Well, I’ve never been with a girl before, and everyone can see us.”
“This is a first for me too. I just find you irresistible for some reason.”
Zea’s head pressed into Nova’s chest. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“Me too.”
“Is it alright if we take this slow?”
“Definitely.”
“Thanks.” Zea gave Nova more more solid kiss before laying her head back in Nova’s lap. Nova savored the moment until she could no longer keep her eyes open. Zea had already passed out. She lifted Zea’s head and scooted her legs out, trying to get comfortable without disturbing her sweet heart. The insomnia she had battled for ages gave way to the high brought on by Zea’s presence. Finally her body was able to fully relax. All the heartache, stress, and loneliness were replaced by a feeling of belonging. That night Nova slept better than she had in ages.
When she finally awoke, the thought of last night flooded back into her mind. She refused to open her eyes should the illusion disappear. A small noise from Zea reassured her that it was all real. Nova weaseled her numb arm out from beneath Zea’s head. Without her body to support Zea, she rolled onto her back still asleep. Nova gave her sleeping goddess’s forehead a kiss before getting up to have breakfast.
A shadow ran through the cave. Nova got up to chase after it. The soft light of dawn outlined a spiked creature. It’s mouth overflowing with the scraps from last night’s meal. It took off into the woods, and out of sight. Any attempts to track it down at this point would be fruitless.
The fire had gone out overnight, leaving smouldering ashes popping in the pit. The embers glowed like an ancient city set a balze. She threw some of the red branches onto the fire. Tiny little flames licked at the food handed to them. Nova breathed life into the fire igniting the kindling, rousing it back to life. The fire thanked her with a series of crackles and hisses. She returned the favor by adding in more fuel. She located one of the remaining pieces of boulder fruit and chomped down. Eggs had always been her least favorite meal, but after eating what they could scrape together, the thought of a simple plate of fried eggs and toast sounded delicious. The simple things in life she always took for granted, now were luxury items she couldn’t afford.
The others woke up one by one and made their way over to the fire. Her eyes barely open, and hair a mess, Zea greeted the group. “Morning everyone.” Her face blushed as she made eye contact with Nova. “Morning.” She grabbed some food and returned to her spot. “Hey Nova, after breakfast I was thinking of going to go watch the sunrise.”
“That sounds fun.”
“Hey I want to go too.” Joseph got all excited.
Trent put his hand on Joseph’s shoulder and whispered into his ear.
Joseph’s face fell. “On second thought I’m just gonna go for a walk.” He wandered out of the cave.
“You know what it was a silly Idea.”
“No you two go.” Addison reassured Zea. “We’ll hang back here. The clouds are going to make for a beautiful site.”
The reassurance lit up Zea’s face once again. “Come on Nova let’s go!” She grabbed Nova’s arm and pulled her up from the ground.
Nova followed Zea outside and they made their way up the side of the mountain. Part way up they found a rock ledge and took a seat. The sunlight streamed through the clouds. The sky was painted with beautiful pinks and oranges. The feelings from last night had intensified. Their hands met. The situation might not be optimal but sitting here watching the sunrise with Zea beside her, Nova couldn’t help but feel like she found a true connection. Life made perfect sense in that moment.
SOPHIE
Soft dirt streamed through Sophie’s fingers. Nothing remained in her hands but some tiny pebbles which she promptly tossed aside. She dug back into the dirt with her broken nails. A moist patch signaled her prey was near. Her hands pushed through the dirt feeling for a soft lump. Something wriggled past her fingers. She clenched her fingers around it and ripped it from the dirt. The creature put up a fight, trying to save itself from the brutal end that awaited it. Not wanting to lose another one, she gave a swift tug. The creature released its grip.
In her hands, Sophie held a long, clawed creature with tiny toothed mouths along it’s underside and little hand like projections running down the sides. It bit at the air, and swung its arm in futility. She crushed the life out of it to end it’
s struggle for freedom, and shoved the broken body into her mouth making quick work of it. It was so warm. Liquid poured down her throat. She savored the taste of sweet victory, though the actual taste was more akin to bile. The hunger was nowhere near satisfied with the tiny amount of food.
She dug right back in, hoping for another morsel before she had to move on. This time a blue diamond shaped creature sifted out of the gravel. It’s one eye stared up at her. She grabbed a rock and broke open the shell. The green insides were still writhing around. She placed the hole against her lips and sucked out the meat. It was dry but better than nothing. The shell got returned to the dirt hole it came. She brushed her hands off on what remained of her tattered pants.
“Sophie!” A voice called out through the forest. It sounded like Rocco.
“Hello?” Sophie got to her feet, and looked for the source of the voice. “Where are you guys?”
“Sophie come back.”
“Trent is that you?”
“It’s getting dark.”
“What are you guys talking about. Addison it’s only noon.” She was so confused. Why were they acting like they couldn’t hear her.
“Let’s head back.”
“No, don’t leave. I’m here.” She ran towards the voices.
“God that hurt Zea.”
What the hell is going on? There was no one around. The voices seemed to stay just ahead of her. “Please just stay where you are. I’m coming.”
“Any more food?”
“Seriously guys, this isn’t funny.” She stopped moving. “I’m done playing around.”
The voice matched her movements and held their place. “Stop throwing rocks.”
“Screw you guys.” She was getting frustrated now.
Footsteps crunched along the forest floor behind her. “Diego come on get up.”
Was that my voice? None of this made any sense. Did one of those bugs make me high? This time she was pissed. She ran after her own voice.