We Hide They Seek
By: DekotaSkye
DISCLAIMER: I don't own the characters, the Jim Henson Company does, and...whatever. I promise to but everyone back in the toy box when I am through playing with them... Sometime in the future. My thanks go out to my wonderful beta Andromeda for her proofing and great suggests. Rate PG-13
Part 1: Hiding
High in a cloud-laden afternoon sky, a long-wing shuttlecoc soared gracefully. Its spread-winged shadow traveling swiftly over the autumn countryside below. The sound of its large flapping wings pierced the primeval silence of the forest causing some animals to scatter and another to cry a warning that carried through the chill air. The woods came to life, humming with chatterings and cries of busy forest creatures contentedly gathering food for the oncoming colder season, until another sound intruded into the aimless animal chatter and sent a hush over the clearing. The uneasy silence hung over it as the threatening sounds of hover vehicles echoed in the distance.
The shuttlecoc along with other bird-like creatures took wing, and the bushy haired monoks scurried into their safe nests, as a figure emerged from the trees. Twigs snapping sharply as the man hurried into the clearing.
"I have a bio reading!" Grimnik's laughter followed one of the beater cries from ground level. "Where is that Peacekeeper? Drenit! Don't lose sight of him, Arkic!"
.Excited voices drifted towards a still figure, galvanizing it into action, the raised voices became louder as the hunters moved closer. Voices merged into one menacing sound as they intermingled with the engine frequencies of their hovercrafts. The man could almost feel the hot fumes from the crafts against the back of his neck, as he hurriedly climbed over a fallen tree. Pausing to catch his breath, the fugitive could hear the raised voices of the men on the ground as they searched about the undergrowth, not far off, beating it back to find his hiding place. He ducked down as he heard the throaty yelp of one of the men, and saw movement through the trees as the hunters pressed on toward him; each passing microt bringing them closer
He stood still, frozen with dread, his eyes darting about like those of a trapped animal. Suddenly, he noticed the hollowed out trunk of a fallen tree, the opening partially concealed by reedy cattails-like plant and wild looking flora that grew about the gaping mouth. He moved quickly into the concealing darkness. Crawling past the thick reeds, he pulled them back into order as he stretched out. He felt the little crawling inhabitants of the decayed tree press against him. His breath caught in his throat as he heard the pounding of the hunter's massive boots coming straight towards him; shaking the earth. The Peacekeeper thought he would be trampled to death beneath the hunter's enormous weight. The villagers had spoken of Hunters who were over seven felt tall, with a girth of some four hundred Earth pounds.
"Fools! You've let him get by you!" said a petulant voice next to the log.
"Why can't you get his bio readings? It's you who slowed me up- his bio can't be in a dozen different places," another voice complained.
"First decent hunt I've had in this frelling woods, and what happens?" demanded the first voice, self pityingly. "He gets away. Did you see how he evaded us? A real clever dranox he was. All that is Holy Bohbak, I 'll not be cheated out of my prize after going to the trouble of giving chase!"
The Peacekeeper heard the creaking of the heavy boots as the hunter shifted impatiently, and the ominous snapping sound of leather hitting leather.
"Where are the beaters? We'd have had him flushed out by now if those men were doing their jobs correctly. Could've sworn I saw something over here."
"I have detected a bio reading over that way," Grimnik said as the blipping sound rose in pitch-raised voices reached them from the distance.
"Dren! That bio machine –the beaters had better be right! I'll take my revenge on them and you." Grimnik sighed in exasperation.
"You cannot even find this weak Peacekeeper much less hurt me," his friend snickered.
"I will have my prey." Grimnik exclaimed.
"You don't have him yet, and who knows, he might prefer to live another day." His friend said laughing loudly.
"Drenit he will be mine!" Grimnik answered rising to bait. "I'll wager Yahnee, my sever, if the Peacekeeper is mine before the day is out."
The fugitive heard their laughter. He held breath as the fragile wall of his sanctuary shook as the hovercrafts took off over the fallen tree following the beaters. The Peacekeeper waited, scarcely breathing as he listened to the retreating engines. Breathlessly, he peered out between the lacy, interwoven flora, seeing only emptiness in the clearing beyond. At last, they were gone.
Slowly, like the hunted animal, he crawled from the safety of his hole and paused, sniffing the air for the scent of an enemy, poised for flight at the first sign of danger. As he made his way through the trees, he felt rage well up at himself. No wonder the villagers traveled in groups. Grimnik and his Hunters paid their irregular visits to this area when they grew bored of the entertainments the great cities had to offer. They pilfered anything they wanted, wrecking havoc during the few days the Hunters took up residence in the forest villages.
The day was coming when the fugitive would take his revenge, but for now he had to keep a low profile. Their lives depended on it.
The Peacekeeper made his way back home deep in the woods. He slowed his pace, feeling safe as he skirted a field of dumbly grazing sheenik, unconcerned by the burrs and mud clinging to him. He wandered down the stony path, his mind far too preoccupied by other thoughts to see dark storm clouds gathering to the north, or to feel the wind gaining strength and threatening the colorful foliage on the trees. The wind whipping his hair that had grown longer, into wild disorder, as it brought color to his pale face. He clutched his coat closer about his body; it was growing chillier, the cold penetrating to his skin. Jumping as agilely as a cat onto the wet and slippery stones, he bridged a gurgling brook. He looked toward the cottage in the distance. A small copse of sturdy trees partially hid it from his view, and welcoming its outline. He had memorized each molting stone in its walls, every bloody-red shuttered windows and door. The picture was indelibly imprinted upon his mind.
He wished that he could travel on past it to the prowler, but he knew he couldn't. He had lived here since they had to escaped the bounty hunters. How different his life had been before that fateful day over a cycle ago. Now not only did he have to keep himself alive he had two others that depended on him. He was filled with rage because he had been careless in not having his weapon with him. Never again. Never.
With a deep sigh he walked steadily up the slope towards the cottage passing through the grove of trees, standing strong and invincible against the winds and rain which had beat down upon them cycle after cycle. Seeming more unconquerable each new spring. If only he had some of their strength and durability, he thought with mounting despair as he skirted around to the side of the cottage. He walked to the entrance and quietly pushed open the heavy medal door, anxious not to attract attention. He climbed slowly up the stairs to the attic, then through a narrow door to a large bedroom. Within stood a bed, two chairs, a rug and a rack of shelves to keep their meager belongings. Their few pieces of cloths hung on a rod fixed in the corner. A small crib sit in the corner just behind the bed protecting the child from any invaders.
He shivered in his damp clothes. He was beginning to take off his coat when he heard a knocking sound on the door downstairs. Another noise came from the bed behind him, a sleepy voice called out. "John?"
"I'm here, Aeryn. Someone's at the door." He moved back toward the stairs this time with Wynonna in his hand. He could hear Aeryn getting out of bed without turning he said. "Stay with the baby, Aeryn, I'll see who it is."
"The frell I am. I'll stay at the top of the stairs to watch your back."
Knowing it would do no good to argue, he retraced his steps. As he neared the door, he watched silently as the door was pushed, but the lock held the unannounced visitor at bay. The knocking came again, but more impatiently this time. "Master Jon, We must speak with you please let us in," a deep voice begged.
Recognizing the voice John opened the door reluctantly, dreading the meeting. He only wanted to change his clothes, and join Aeryn in bed. The burly man and two companions stood before him with worried frowns. John moved back into the room allowing them to enter. Taking one more look outside he closed and locked the door. As he joined the group of men, he glanced up the stairs to see Aeryn move back in the shadows. He knew she would join them very soon. Right now, he was glad she was there.
John entered what served as a sitting, dinning room for them. His eyes traveled from one man to the other, settling on Chinook who was a large burly man that could have been a great guardsman on a NFL team. What he didn't have in height he made it up in width. The other two were just followers, and they would agree to whatever Chinook had to say. Chinook was a fair man; you always knew where you stood with him; right now he didn't look happy.
John waited for them to explain why they were there so late in the day. Chinook met his eyes and announced, "The Hunter's came into the village demanding if we knew anything about the peacekeepers in the area. I told them we knew nothing about an off worlder nearby. Many microts of silence before they turned away. I do not know if they believed me or not."
He saw Aeryn come down the stairs fully dressed, pulse pistol at her side. She stood just in the doorway, her eyes taking in the scene.
Chinook continue talking. "Everyone has kept quiet because of the deeds you have done for us, but people being who they are- I don't know how much longer the secret can be kept."
"Don't endanger your people, Chinook, in trying to help us." Aeryn said from the doorway. Startled they turned to face her. The men of the village looked upon this woman in awe of her beauty and strength. She moved over to John's side.
"From the moment you came to us until now you have always been helpful, how can we not return those actions, "Chinook said. His other two cohorts just nodded their heads.
"Do you wish us to leave?" John asked.
Chinook straightened to his full height of seven foot nine, and in a strong voice, said, "No, my friend, we of the MoNodity stand by the ones we befriend. I am here to ask you to stay close to your home. We will take the Hunters deep into the west. The hunters can be placated in hunting other game. They will forget that a peacekeeper was even here."
"If you are sure, we will do as you say."
A cry came from upstairs. Aeryn quickly left the room to answer the sob. At this point the three left stressing the need for John to remain at home until someone comes with a message.
John followed Aeryn back to their room to see her pacing back and forth trying to claim the sobbing child.
"Shh," Aeryn said. "Hush now." She offered the pacifier, but the baby spat it out.
John moved over to the bed and began to remove his damp clothes. "Could she be hungry again?"
"She only ate less then two arns ago."
"Maybe she needs water," he said.
"Would you mind getting it?"
John put on a long sleeve shirt as he went downstairs to the kitchen coming back with a bottle full of water. Thrashing her head back and forth, the baby defied all her parents' attempts to get her to take the bottle.
"Maybe she needs to lie on her stomach, "said Aeryn, looking worried. She eased the baby onto her lap, stomach down, but the baby cried harder then ever.
"She must be have colic, " John said bleakly. Not that he thought Aeryn could hear; the baby had a marvelous set of vocal chords that seemed to be stuck on high volume.
Aeryn with worry marring her brow. "Colic? Is this dangerous?"
John shook his head and went back into their bathroom. Moments later he came out carrying a rubber looking thing sealed at both ends. Smiling, he wiggled it in front her face. "Hot water bottle."
He set the hot water bottle on top of the mattress. Together they eased the baby onto it. She settled down to voice an occasional whimper. John pulled a soft cover and smoothed it over the baby's feet. Both shared a smile of triumph at the now sleeping infant.
Aeryn's eyes never left her daughter's face. "John, what are we going to do?"
"You heard Chinook, nothing for now."
She looked up at him. "They chased you coming back here didn't they?"
He was going to play it down, but decided it wasn't worth the argument. "Yeah. I was stupid not to have listened to what the villagers were telling me earlier."
"They didn't hurt you?"
"No, babe. I am tried. I need a hot shower and some sleep."
Smiling she let her eyes drop. "Need help to warm up?"
By: DekotaSkye
DISCLAIMER: I don't own the characters, the Jim Henson Company does, and...whatever. I promise to but everyone back in the toy box when I am through playing with them... Sometime in the future. My thanks go out to my wonderful beta Andromeda for her proofing and great suggests. Rate PG-13
Part 1: Hiding
High in a cloud-laden afternoon sky, a long-wing shuttlecoc soared gracefully. Its spread-winged shadow traveling swiftly over the autumn countryside below. The sound of its large flapping wings pierced the primeval silence of the forest causing some animals to scatter and another to cry a warning that carried through the chill air. The woods came to life, humming with chatterings and cries of busy forest creatures contentedly gathering food for the oncoming colder season, until another sound intruded into the aimless animal chatter and sent a hush over the clearing. The uneasy silence hung over it as the threatening sounds of hover vehicles echoed in the distance.
The shuttlecoc along with other bird-like creatures took wing, and the bushy haired monoks scurried into their safe nests, as a figure emerged from the trees. Twigs snapping sharply as the man hurried into the clearing.
"I have a bio reading!" Grimnik's laughter followed one of the beater cries from ground level. "Where is that Peacekeeper? Drenit! Don't lose sight of him, Arkic!"
.Excited voices drifted towards a still figure, galvanizing it into action, the raised voices became louder as the hunters moved closer. Voices merged into one menacing sound as they intermingled with the engine frequencies of their hovercrafts. The man could almost feel the hot fumes from the crafts against the back of his neck, as he hurriedly climbed over a fallen tree. Pausing to catch his breath, the fugitive could hear the raised voices of the men on the ground as they searched about the undergrowth, not far off, beating it back to find his hiding place. He ducked down as he heard the throaty yelp of one of the men, and saw movement through the trees as the hunters pressed on toward him; each passing microt bringing them closer
He stood still, frozen with dread, his eyes darting about like those of a trapped animal. Suddenly, he noticed the hollowed out trunk of a fallen tree, the opening partially concealed by reedy cattails-like plant and wild looking flora that grew about the gaping mouth. He moved quickly into the concealing darkness. Crawling past the thick reeds, he pulled them back into order as he stretched out. He felt the little crawling inhabitants of the decayed tree press against him. His breath caught in his throat as he heard the pounding of the hunter's massive boots coming straight towards him; shaking the earth. The Peacekeeper thought he would be trampled to death beneath the hunter's enormous weight. The villagers had spoken of Hunters who were over seven felt tall, with a girth of some four hundred Earth pounds.
"Fools! You've let him get by you!" said a petulant voice next to the log.
"Why can't you get his bio readings? It's you who slowed me up- his bio can't be in a dozen different places," another voice complained.
"First decent hunt I've had in this frelling woods, and what happens?" demanded the first voice, self pityingly. "He gets away. Did you see how he evaded us? A real clever dranox he was. All that is Holy Bohbak, I 'll not be cheated out of my prize after going to the trouble of giving chase!"
The Peacekeeper heard the creaking of the heavy boots as the hunter shifted impatiently, and the ominous snapping sound of leather hitting leather.
"Where are the beaters? We'd have had him flushed out by now if those men were doing their jobs correctly. Could've sworn I saw something over here."
"I have detected a bio reading over that way," Grimnik said as the blipping sound rose in pitch-raised voices reached them from the distance.
"Dren! That bio machine –the beaters had better be right! I'll take my revenge on them and you." Grimnik sighed in exasperation.
"You cannot even find this weak Peacekeeper much less hurt me," his friend snickered.
"I will have my prey." Grimnik exclaimed.
"You don't have him yet, and who knows, he might prefer to live another day." His friend said laughing loudly.
"Drenit he will be mine!" Grimnik answered rising to bait. "I'll wager Yahnee, my sever, if the Peacekeeper is mine before the day is out."
The fugitive heard their laughter. He held breath as the fragile wall of his sanctuary shook as the hovercrafts took off over the fallen tree following the beaters. The Peacekeeper waited, scarcely breathing as he listened to the retreating engines. Breathlessly, he peered out between the lacy, interwoven flora, seeing only emptiness in the clearing beyond. At last, they were gone.
Slowly, like the hunted animal, he crawled from the safety of his hole and paused, sniffing the air for the scent of an enemy, poised for flight at the first sign of danger. As he made his way through the trees, he felt rage well up at himself. No wonder the villagers traveled in groups. Grimnik and his Hunters paid their irregular visits to this area when they grew bored of the entertainments the great cities had to offer. They pilfered anything they wanted, wrecking havoc during the few days the Hunters took up residence in the forest villages.
The day was coming when the fugitive would take his revenge, but for now he had to keep a low profile. Their lives depended on it.
The Peacekeeper made his way back home deep in the woods. He slowed his pace, feeling safe as he skirted a field of dumbly grazing sheenik, unconcerned by the burrs and mud clinging to him. He wandered down the stony path, his mind far too preoccupied by other thoughts to see dark storm clouds gathering to the north, or to feel the wind gaining strength and threatening the colorful foliage on the trees. The wind whipping his hair that had grown longer, into wild disorder, as it brought color to his pale face. He clutched his coat closer about his body; it was growing chillier, the cold penetrating to his skin. Jumping as agilely as a cat onto the wet and slippery stones, he bridged a gurgling brook. He looked toward the cottage in the distance. A small copse of sturdy trees partially hid it from his view, and welcoming its outline. He had memorized each molting stone in its walls, every bloody-red shuttered windows and door. The picture was indelibly imprinted upon his mind.
He wished that he could travel on past it to the prowler, but he knew he couldn't. He had lived here since they had to escaped the bounty hunters. How different his life had been before that fateful day over a cycle ago. Now not only did he have to keep himself alive he had two others that depended on him. He was filled with rage because he had been careless in not having his weapon with him. Never again. Never.
With a deep sigh he walked steadily up the slope towards the cottage passing through the grove of trees, standing strong and invincible against the winds and rain which had beat down upon them cycle after cycle. Seeming more unconquerable each new spring. If only he had some of their strength and durability, he thought with mounting despair as he skirted around to the side of the cottage. He walked to the entrance and quietly pushed open the heavy medal door, anxious not to attract attention. He climbed slowly up the stairs to the attic, then through a narrow door to a large bedroom. Within stood a bed, two chairs, a rug and a rack of shelves to keep their meager belongings. Their few pieces of cloths hung on a rod fixed in the corner. A small crib sit in the corner just behind the bed protecting the child from any invaders.
He shivered in his damp clothes. He was beginning to take off his coat when he heard a knocking sound on the door downstairs. Another noise came from the bed behind him, a sleepy voice called out. "John?"
"I'm here, Aeryn. Someone's at the door." He moved back toward the stairs this time with Wynonna in his hand. He could hear Aeryn getting out of bed without turning he said. "Stay with the baby, Aeryn, I'll see who it is."
"The frell I am. I'll stay at the top of the stairs to watch your back."
Knowing it would do no good to argue, he retraced his steps. As he neared the door, he watched silently as the door was pushed, but the lock held the unannounced visitor at bay. The knocking came again, but more impatiently this time. "Master Jon, We must speak with you please let us in," a deep voice begged.
Recognizing the voice John opened the door reluctantly, dreading the meeting. He only wanted to change his clothes, and join Aeryn in bed. The burly man and two companions stood before him with worried frowns. John moved back into the room allowing them to enter. Taking one more look outside he closed and locked the door. As he joined the group of men, he glanced up the stairs to see Aeryn move back in the shadows. He knew she would join them very soon. Right now, he was glad she was there.
John entered what served as a sitting, dinning room for them. His eyes traveled from one man to the other, settling on Chinook who was a large burly man that could have been a great guardsman on a NFL team. What he didn't have in height he made it up in width. The other two were just followers, and they would agree to whatever Chinook had to say. Chinook was a fair man; you always knew where you stood with him; right now he didn't look happy.
John waited for them to explain why they were there so late in the day. Chinook met his eyes and announced, "The Hunter's came into the village demanding if we knew anything about the peacekeepers in the area. I told them we knew nothing about an off worlder nearby. Many microts of silence before they turned away. I do not know if they believed me or not."
He saw Aeryn come down the stairs fully dressed, pulse pistol at her side. She stood just in the doorway, her eyes taking in the scene.
Chinook continue talking. "Everyone has kept quiet because of the deeds you have done for us, but people being who they are- I don't know how much longer the secret can be kept."
"Don't endanger your people, Chinook, in trying to help us." Aeryn said from the doorway. Startled they turned to face her. The men of the village looked upon this woman in awe of her beauty and strength. She moved over to John's side.
"From the moment you came to us until now you have always been helpful, how can we not return those actions, "Chinook said. His other two cohorts just nodded their heads.
"Do you wish us to leave?" John asked.
Chinook straightened to his full height of seven foot nine, and in a strong voice, said, "No, my friend, we of the MoNodity stand by the ones we befriend. I am here to ask you to stay close to your home. We will take the Hunters deep into the west. The hunters can be placated in hunting other game. They will forget that a peacekeeper was even here."
"If you are sure, we will do as you say."
A cry came from upstairs. Aeryn quickly left the room to answer the sob. At this point the three left stressing the need for John to remain at home until someone comes with a message.
John followed Aeryn back to their room to see her pacing back and forth trying to claim the sobbing child.
"Shh," Aeryn said. "Hush now." She offered the pacifier, but the baby spat it out.
John moved over to the bed and began to remove his damp clothes. "Could she be hungry again?"
"She only ate less then two arns ago."
"Maybe she needs water," he said.
"Would you mind getting it?"
John put on a long sleeve shirt as he went downstairs to the kitchen coming back with a bottle full of water. Thrashing her head back and forth, the baby defied all her parents' attempts to get her to take the bottle.
"Maybe she needs to lie on her stomach, "said Aeryn, looking worried. She eased the baby onto her lap, stomach down, but the baby cried harder then ever.
"She must be have colic, " John said bleakly. Not that he thought Aeryn could hear; the baby had a marvelous set of vocal chords that seemed to be stuck on high volume.
Aeryn with worry marring her brow. "Colic? Is this dangerous?"
John shook his head and went back into their bathroom. Moments later he came out carrying a rubber looking thing sealed at both ends. Smiling, he wiggled it in front her face. "Hot water bottle."
He set the hot water bottle on top of the mattress. Together they eased the baby onto it. She settled down to voice an occasional whimper. John pulled a soft cover and smoothed it over the baby's feet. Both shared a smile of triumph at the now sleeping infant.
Aeryn's eyes never left her daughter's face. "John, what are we going to do?"
"You heard Chinook, nothing for now."
She looked up at him. "They chased you coming back here didn't they?"
He was going to play it down, but decided it wasn't worth the argument. "Yeah. I was stupid not to have listened to what the villagers were telling me earlier."
"They didn't hurt you?"
"No, babe. I am tried. I need a hot shower and some sleep."
Smiling she let her eyes drop. "Need help to warm up?"