MisVentures 9

Dancing With

The Trees

Part 3

Disclaimer: Metal Mania is such a fun channel to have on your tv.

Several Days Later

True to Gateway's information, it did take several days worth of foot travel to reach the location of where Oak Plain resided in the Dudhatoli Forest. But the time had been worth it since Wanda had gotten to learn quite a bit where the basics was concerned. Even becoming somewhat adept at channeling water without causing too many problems. The fact Oak Plain was residing deep in a chasm in the mountains had been a surprise for two of the travellers and it had taken Agatha calling out to Oak Plain to ensure safe passage to him. The surprise for Wanda and Shipwreck would be further felt once they saw how huge Oak Plain was thanks to the fact he's a giant Oak tree! "This is the Mutant we're supposed to recruit!?" Asked Shipwreck in stunned disbelief.

He and Wanda were further stunned when the tree opened its eyes and began to speak from its mouth as it stared at them. Unfortunately, neither of them could understand a word he said. "Just a moment, Oak Plain has never been one to care for the English Language." Agatha told them as she cast a spell that would allow them to understand him.

"Why have you brought outsiders here, old friend?"

"They have come to recruit you to their Cause for peaceful co-existence, old friend."

"I see, foolish as I can not leave this place. Not after having become thoroughly rooted here." Rumbled the old tree.

"Which you knew would happen if you stayed in one place for too long."

"Ho-How long has, have you been here?" Wondered an awed Wanda as she looked at the bottom of Oak Plain as Shipwreck looked around and was amazed by the ecosytem that was thriving there.

"He has been here a century, my dear. His Mutation has the side effect of making it so that he is rooted in place if he stays in place for too long on solid ground. He has been alive for over 5 centuries thanks to his Mutation."

"Damn, that's crazy." Whistled Shipwreck and Wanda could only nod in agreement.

"Yes, here I can be safe away from those who would hurt me or wish to enslave me because they think me savage. Most White Devils can not be trusted."

That he was glaring at Wanda and Shipwreck made both a bit nervous while Agatha made assurances they were no threat to him. As this happened, a six foot figure came up to them. One who looked to be made entirely out of leaves to their surprise as Agatha raised her eyebrows at the sight of the figure. "It is good to know you have not been alone, my old friend."

Oak Plain grunted. "Mmm. Abeytu found its self here of its own accord three Winters ago. Does not speak but has become less fearful since coming here." Informed Oak Plain.

"Huh, do ya think he'd be willin' to come with us since you can't? We might be able to help him speak again." Shipwreck asked as Wanda slowly approached Abeytu.

Whom seemed nervous about the prospect but stayed where they were. "Hey, its okay, I promise, I'm a friend." Gently said the girl as she held out a hand.

Unfortunately, the CD player she had with her fell to the ground and faintly began to play music, startling the leafy Mutant. "Music… How I have not heard it in some time…"

Though Oak Plain wasn't certain he liked what he was hearing as Wanda tried to console young Abeytu until she got an idea and asked Agatha if she could use a spell to make the music be more easily heard. But the old Tree did admit it was better than what he usually heard in recent times. "It may ruin your CD player." Warned the older woman.

"I can always get a new one if that happens and it'll be worth it in my view." Shrugged Wanda.

Nodding in understanding, Agatha used her magic to allow the music to be more easily heard. Prompting what they thought was a confused look from Abeytu. "Its music that you can listen too and even dance too." Wanda told the leafy Mutant.

And to prove her point, she began to dance to it and not realizing she was providing some much needed entertainment for Oak Plain in the process. Shipwreck even decided to join in on the fun and shortly after, Abeytu began to hesitantly do so as Agatha watched and Oak Plain thoroughly enjoyed the show. A short time later saw the dancing stop and for Wanda to blow out a breath as the music died down. "Perhaps it is best if Abeytu go with you. You may possibly do more for the young one than I could."

Nicely enough, Abeytu seemed to like that idea. "However, I have one request."

"What's that?" Wondered Shipwreck curiously.

"I wish to be provided a means to enjoy sounds like her music on a regular basis. Having only what nature provides can be… Eventually boring." Admitted the ancient tree Mutant.

Causing Agatha to smirk in victory. "I told you that even you would find it all boring eventually, you silly fool!"

Oak Plain harrumphed at her words as Shipwreck shrugged. "Yeah, I think we can do something like that." Said the man.

He honestly didn't think Hawk would have an issue with that. "If this works you've my thanks… And a place to stay should yours need it."

He might not like the White Devils that much but they were doing him a favor so it was the least he could do. All three looked surprised at his words but thanked him none the less. "Maybe we could even experiment on what music you'd like best." Wanda mused thoughtfully.

"That is agreeable."

After a little more talking, the foursome made their leave and returned to the Pit. Shocking and frightening Abeytu considerably and getting quite a few looks in the process! Hawk was certainly surprised by the outcome of the recruitment mission and would even approve of the music idea where Oak Plain was concerned. Airtight and Arcade would even start to work on something that would hopefully allow Abeytu to communicate with them after meeting the leafy Mutant. Though it was agreed their new recruit wouldn't be on any missions for awhile until Abeytu had been given training and could communicate in some way with them. It'd also be discovered that Abeytu got their sustenance through contact with the ground or by interacting with watery soil. The outcome would even make Hawk wonder if Gateway had known this would happen!

Another thing to ask if I ever meet him!

Author's Notes: Abeytu is an Omaha word that means 'green leaf'. I thought it'd be interesting for there to be a Mutant like Oak Plain who was pretty much a long lived tree by this point in time. As for Abeytu? Might be awhile before I dive into their history!